Today is World Diabetes Day and this year’s theme is “Eyes on Diabetes”. That’s because all eyes need to be focused on creating awareness of the importance of screening and early diagnosis of the disease. Left undiagnosed and unchecked, diabetes can rob individuals of their health, their sight, and their longevity.
In 2015, 415 million adults were living with diabetes, and that number is expected to increase to around 642 million by 2040. The statistics listed by the International Diabetes Federation, highlight the importance of improving early detection:

- One in two people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, which makes them particularly susceptible to the complications of the disease.
- Of the 415 million adults worldwide living with diabetes in 2015, over one third will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy – a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision impairment and blindness.
- Annually, 5 million deaths are due to diabetes.
- Early detection and timely treatment of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss.
- More than 93 million adults, or one in three, currently living with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy.
- Urinating often
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling very hungry - even though you are eating
- Extreme fatigue
- Blurry vision
- Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
- Weight loss - even though you are eating more (Type 1)
- Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (Type 2)