Lebanese Society of Endocrinology Diabetes and Lipids(LSEDL) with Novo Nordisk’s unconditional support, hosted a press event on November 7 aimed at shedding light on the urgent need for diabetes prevention and early intervention.
Diabetes is rising worldwide, now impacting 589 million people globally and about 439,700 in Lebanon1.
Diabetes occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and/ or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Common diabetes symptoms include increased thirst and urination, increased hunger, fatigue, blurry vision, slow-healing sores, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, and frequent infections2.
High blood-glucose levels cause progressive damage to blood vessels all over the body, resulting in a variety of complications3. 50% of people with type 2 diabetes already have one complication at the time of diagnosis.4
“The common practice around diabetes management was solely revolved around lowering blood glucose. Today diabetes management goes way beyond hyperglycaemia by targeting complications: cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, diabetes related eye complications, neuropathy…”explained Dr Mireille Amm, President of the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids (LSEDL).
In fact, adults with diabetes have 2-4 times increased cardiovascular risk compared with adults without diabetes5.Moreover, studies show that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among people with type 2 diabetes6.
Diabetes implications are not only related to the heart, as diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD)7. Approximately 40% of people with type 2 diabetes develop CKD during their lifetime8. As for microvascular complications, diabetic retinopathy is the most common one9.Eye exams are an important screening tool for patients with diabetes in order to prevent the more severe and vision-threatening consequences of the disease10.
Diabetes is manageable through regular Healthcare Professionals checkups, lifestyle modifications and treatment compliance.
By recognizing diabetes as a chronic, systemic disease, the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids(LSEDL) in Lebanon is emphasizing public awareness and early intervention as innovative treatments today are helping patients better manage glucose levels, prevent complications, and significantly improve quality of life.
