The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has released a Position Statement that presents the 1-hour post-load plasma glucose (1-h PG) test as a more sensitive and practical method to screen for intermediate hyperglycaemia (IH) and type 2 diabetes(T2D) in people at risk. The Statement was prepared by an international panel* of 22 experts from 15 countries and presented at the 17th International Conference on Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) in Florence, Italy and was published online in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. The Statement recommends the use of 1 ..read more

For thousands of years, people of nearly every culture have practised fasting for spiritual or health reasons. Ancient fasting first appeared around 1,500 BC with the Vedic, Hindu, and Jainism religions. Fasting on designated holy days was frequent to reduce the burden and harm harvesting and eating caused for animals and plants. In Buddhism, the practice of intermittent fasting restricts eating to a specific period. Fasting for religious reasons was also prevalent in other parts of the ancient world, including India, China, the Middle East, and Greece. For example, Muslims worldwi ..read more

There are no days off when you live with diabetes, and for women, the challenges can be even more complex. From healthcare disparities to workplace discrimination to social interactions, women with diabetes face unique obstacles in many aspects of their lives. By addressing these challenges, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for women with diabetes. According to the latest estimates from the IDF Diabetes Atlas, 260 million womenwere living with diabetes in 2021. Globally, diabetes ranks as the ninth leading cause of death in women and more wom ..read more

Reliable and accurate diabetes education provided by trained healthcare professionals benefits people with diabetes, caregivers and the public, resulting in better health outcomes and helping to eliminate stigma. The crucial role of healthcare professionals Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are the backbone of diabetes education.  HCPs provide accurate information, foster self-management strategies and promote lifestyle changes for people living with diabetes. Their role is not limited to clinical advice but extends to the psychological and social aspects of managing the condition. The ..read more

People living with diabetes are aware of the various health complications their condition can bring. However, one often overlooked aspect is the impact of diabetes on sexual health. Both men and women with diabetes can experience sexual dysfunction, but it often goes unspoken due to its sensitive nature and cultural and social taboos. Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in diabetes Sexual dysfunction is relatively common worldwide and more common in men and women with diabetes compared to those without the condition. The frequency in people with diabetes varies depending on gender, type of dia ..read more

Diabetes in pregnancy affects a significant number of women worldwide, with the latest estimates suggesting that approximately one in six pregnancies — or 21 million women — are affected by hyperglycaemia. Pregnancy can be an exciting but also challenging time for expectant mothers, especially those with diabetes. Whether you live with diabetes before pregnancy or develop diabetes during pregnancy, effectively managing the associated risks throughout is crucial for the health of both mother and child. Types of diabetes during pregnancy The international classification of pregnancy-related d ..read more

Living with diabetes requires careful management of your health, and oral health is no exception. High glucose levels can make it more challenging to maintain good oral hygiene, increasing the risk of diabetes-related oral health complications. Just like monitoring glucose levels and adhering to medication and lifestyle recommendations, dental care should be essential to diabetes management. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce plaque, a sticky film. If left untreated, this plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay, cavities and gum disease. The link between periodontal disease and ..read more

People who smoke have a 30% to 40% likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those who do not, with the amount of smoking increasing the risk. Additionally, for people already living with diabetes, smoking can increase the risk of developing complications. How smoking can lead to type 2 diabetes Numerous studies have explored the link between smoking and glucose control. One such study, the European Investigation into Cancer (EPIC-Norfolk) study, a comprehensive cross-sectional study of men and women, found that cigarette smoking raised HbA1c levels. Both male and female smokers e ..read more

It is estimated that more than half a billion people are living with diabetes worldwide. The condition can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications. IDF is committed to championing improved education on their impact. The latest figures show that in 2021, approximately 6.7 million adults between the age of 20–79 were estimated to have died as a result of diabetes or its complications. This devastating figure can be reduced with greater awareness and better access to diabetes care and treatment. Earlier this year, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) conducted rese ..read more

The severity of diabetes-related complications can be life-threatening, while others are sufficiently debilitating to curtail daily activities and quality of life.  Diabetes-related eye diseases are one such complication. They include diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), cataracts and glaucoma. All can lead to vision loss, affecting a person’s career, causing financial difficulties and interfering with daily diabetes management.  DR and DME are two of the most common and preventable conditions affecting eyesight.  DR affects over one in three people with di ..read more