Diabetes doesn’t hurt today, but destroys tomorrow

Diabetes does not hurt today but it silently destroys tomorrow. Across the world, every minute, someone loses vision, kidney function or even a limb because of uncontrolled diabetes. These outcomes are not sudden. They are the result of years of unawareness, neglect and delay in seeking proper medical care.

The World Diabetes Day (November 14) serves as a powerful reminder that prevention begins with awareness. The message is simple-- detect early, treat early, live healthy.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF 2024), more than 589 million adults worldwide, nearly one in every nine people, are living with diabetes. India bears one of the heaviest burdens. The ICMR-INDIAB study (2023) reported that over 10.1 crore

Indians already have diabetes, while another 13 crore are pre-diabetic. Alarmingly, 43 per cent

of them are unaware of their condition.

Diabetes is far more than just a "sugar problem". It quietly damages vital organs including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and even the brain. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) notes that early detection and proper management can reduce the risk of severe complications by up to 60 per cent.

Symptoms such as fatigue, excessive thirst, frequent urination or blurred vision may seem minor, but they are the body's way of sounding an alarm. Ignoring them can lead to irreversible damage. Timely blood sugar screening, healthy eating, physical activity and adherence to medical advice can dramatically change the course of this disease.

What makes diabetes particularly dangerous is its deceptive silence. There is no pain until it is too late. That is why, awareness and routine check-ups are our strongest defence.

The message this World Diabetes Day is clear: Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Get tested, seek expert guidance and make small lifestyle changes before complications begin. When diabetes is caught early, life does not have to change, only your habits do. Let us protect our health, our families and our future from this silent epidemic.

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