Understanding Diabetes and Its Complications: A Global Health Challenge

Understanding Diabetes and Its Complications: A Global Health Challenge

By PharmaservePK Team | December 31, 2025

Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot effectively regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels, either due to insufficient insulin production or ineffective use of insulin. Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs, leading to serious health issues.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas 11th Edition (2025), an estimated 589 million adults aged 20–79 years worldwide are living with diabetes in 2024. This represents about 1 in 9 adults (11.1% prevalence). Alarmingly, over 252 million of these cases—more than 4 in 10—are undiagnosed, heightening the risk of complications. The number is projected to rise to 853 million by 2050.

Diabetes was responsible for approximately 3.4 million deaths in 2024, highlighting its severe impact on global health.

Acute vs. Chronic Complications

Diabetes complications fall into two categories: acute (sudden and potentially life-threatening) and chronic (developing gradually over years).

Acute Complications

These emergencies require immediate care:

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Often triggered by medication, skipped meals, or excessive exercise.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): More common in type 1 diabetes, involving dangerous ketone buildup.

Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): Severe dehydration from very high blood sugar, typically in type 2 diabetes.

Chronic Complications

Prolonged high blood sugar damages large and small blood vessels, leading to:

Macrovascular Complications (affecting large blood vessels):

Cardiovascular disease: Including heart attacks and strokes. Diabetes significantly elevates the risk of heart disease (2–4 times higher than in people without diabetes).

Microvascular Complications (affecting small blood vessels):

Diabetic Retinopathy: 

Damage to retinal blood vessels, a leading cause of blindness in working-age adults.

Diabetic Nephropathy: 

Progressive kidney damage, a major cause of end-stage kidney disease worldwide.

Diabetic Neuropathy: 

Nerve damage causing pain, tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation, particularly in the feet and hands.

Foot Complications: Neuropathy combined with poor circulation often results in ulcers, infections, and, in severe cases, lower-limb amputations.

Other common issues include skin conditions, periodontal (gum) disease, and sexual dysfunction.

Prevention and Management: Empowering Better Outcomes

Many diabetes complications are preventable or delayable with effective management:

Maintain tight blood sugar control (e.g., target HbA1c below 7%, as advised by your doctor).

Manage blood pressure (aim for below 140/90 mmHg) and cholesterol levels.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Balanced diet rich in whole foods, regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week), healthy weight maintenance, and avoiding tobacco use.

Attend regular screenings for eyes, kidneys, and feet.

Use prescribed medications effectively, including newer classes like SGLT2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists that provide additional protection for the heart and kidneys.

Early detection through routine screening is vital, especially given the high rate of undiagnosed cases globally.

Diabetes is a manageable condition. With awareness, proactive care, and support from healthcare providers, individuals can significantly reduce risks and lead fulfilling, healthy lives.

PharmaservePK is committed to sharing evidence-based pharmaceutical and health information to promote wellness worldwide.

Sources: IDF Diabetes Atlas 11th Edition (2025), World Health Organization (WHO), and peer-reviewed medical studies. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.