Some research indicates that the prevalence of people with diabetes in Europe is about 60 million adults, and the figures are still increasing every year. The question from this research is: Is diabetes common in Europe? We will look at the statistics available and then how to tackle diabetes in Europe.
The rate of diabetes in Europe is not the same in all European countries. The truth is that anyone can have diabetes; it is not only Europeans that are prone to diabetes.
So many factors can make a person diabetic. However, in adults, certain lifestyle choices trigger this condition. Although we are discussing if diabetes is common in Europe, it is important to know that diabetes is still a common health issue affecting millions of people across the world.
The definition of diabetes
Diabetes is a long-term health complication in which blood sugar levels rise because of insufficient production of insulin or shot production of insulin, which the body cells cannot use fully.
This condition affects many people globally, as about 463 million adults are reported to have the disease in 2019. This number is only projected to grow in the next few years and hence constitutes calls for more awareness.
Is diabetes common in Europe?
Yes, it is . Diabetes is a common disease in Europe; every year millions of people suffer from it. With diabetes prevalent in almost all countries in Europe, from Turkey to Germany, the rates continue to increase. Unhealthy diets, lack of physical activities, and heredity are some of the reasons diabetes is prevalent across Europe.
Despite efforts to curb the increasing rate, the numbers are increasing by the day. This indicates that all hands must be on deck. It calls for more sensitization not just in Europe but across the globe.
Countries with High Diabetes Prevalence in Europe
Some European countries have high prevalence rates of diabetes. Here is the list of countries in Europe with a high number of people living with diabetes.
- Turkey: Having a diabetes percentage of 13.5% Turkey is one of the European countries with high cases of diabetes. The rapid development of the urban environment in Turkey and the change in their diet are the main causes.
- Cyprus: Cyprus is another country with high diabetes in Europe. Cyprus falls among the European countries with a high figure of patients suffering from diabetes, with a figure of over 12.6%.
- Germany: The estimation of diabetic patients in Germany is approximately 10.2 percent. Germany has a good healthcare system; however, the country has one of the highest cases of diabetes.
- Portugal: Portugal also has a relatively high 11.7% of its population having diabetes. So, it is one of the European countries with a high number of people living with diabetes.
- Greece: Like other European countries, diabetes is also prevalent in Greece. It has a prevalence rate of around 11.9%.
Why is diabetes increasing in Europe?
Diabetes is increasing in these parts of Europe because of the following reasons:
- Lifestyle choices
Modifications in lifestyle and dietary practices that have developed into a tradition in European countries are some of the reasons for the increased incidence of diabetes. Factors such as high processed food intake, intake of sugary products, and lack of exercise are likely to lead to diabetes.
- Obesity
With obesity being one of the key risk factors for diabetes, Europe has for years experienced constant growth in obesity rates. Obesity at some point causes the body to develop insulin resistance, and this leads to Type 2 diabetes.
- Socioeconomic factors
It can also be seen that socioeconomic determinants, including income inequality, healthcare access, and education, also affect the prevalence of diabetes in Europe.
- Urbanization
This social demographic is linked to the fast-growing urbanization of European cities and changes in lifestyles and diets that precipitate the development of diabetic complications. Diabetes affects more people in the urban setting than it does in the rural setting.
- Environmental factors
Other sources of rising diabetes include pollution, chemicals, and poor provision of green areas, among others. These factors can influence total health and raise susceptibility to chronic diseases such as diabetes.
- Lack of Awareness
Ignorance of the need to prevent and manage diabetes might also explain why it is rampant across Europe. Diabetes risk factors and symptoms may not be obvious to people, and those affected may take time to seek treatment.
Economic burden of diabetes on European healthcare systems
- Medications and Treatments
It is well known that more than half of the diagnosed diabetics require daily medication, and this is likely to be expensive. People with Type 1 diabetes manage the condition through insulin, while most of those with Type 2 diabetes use oral medications or insulin at a later stage.
- Monitoring Equipment
Diabetic patients have to monitor their blood glucose levels and to do so, they have to use glucometers, test strips, etc. Using these devices is not cheap, whether for the patient or the side of government.
- Emergency Care
Diabetes produces different forms of complications: cardiovascular issues, kidney diseases, nerve disorders, and vision issues. Of such complications, most need hospital admissions, operations, or dialysis, all of which put great monetary pressure on the healthcare system.
In Europe, complications resulting from diabetes have been identified to be one of the largest causes of hospitalization and so cause a huge burden on healthcare costs.
Social impact of diabetes in Europe
Diabetes as a chronic condition has some social consequences. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Stigma and discrimination
The constant myths and misconceptions about diabetes make diabetic patients discriminated against in society and isolated from their community. It may cause loneliness and affect their psychological health.
2. Access to healthcare
Diabetes management may also differ depending on the location of the patient in Europe, which is why there may be vast differences in the attainment of healthcare services across Europe.
3. Support networks
Diabetes management endures numerous burdens to patients, and having someone come beside and support them physically, emotionally, psychologically, or even spiritually could greatly influence their reaction towards diabetes management.
4. Work and employment
Diabetes might lead to employment discrimination or the inability of a person with diabetes to accommodate his or her working conditions and the disease. That in turn can affect employment opportunities.
4. Mental health
This can lead to a whole host of problems ranging from anxiety to depression and other mental health complications. People should look after their mental health and get help if they feel this is an issue they cannot handle.
5. Economic burden
Managing diabetes can be expensive because it requires that the patients to buy various drugs, monitoring equipment, and even money to visit a doctor for checkups.
Read also: Is Sourdough Bread Good For Diabetes?
Efforts to tackle diabetes in Europe
Managing diabetes in Europe is not a walk in the park; it requires a holistic approach. However, there are some key factors to consider:
Public awareness campaigns
Education on diabetes is vital because it reduces its prevalence and adds to its early control. Effective educational programs make individuals change their behaviors and choose the right ways of life; learn about the necessity of regular check-ups.
Access to healthcare
Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and the need for affordable healthcare facilities can help too. Special attention should be focused on offering screening and monitoring to those patients who can hardly pay for these services.
Nutrition education
Diabetes can be controlled when people eat balanced meals. We should try to limit our intake of foods with a high glycemic index. Creating awareness of proper nutrition and how to prepare healthy meals can play a big role in managing diabetes.
Physical activity programs
Physical activity is one effective way of maintaining good health, hence reducing the effects of diabetes. Health-related measures, including walking groups, gym memberships, or simply acquiring exercise bikes, would assist people in exercising to lose weight.
Policy Changes
This may work. There is a need to put in place policies that would help prevent and control diabetes. This can include food labeling standards, taxation on products such as soda, and subsidies.
You are an African wondering if Europeans have diabetes. Yes, because diabetes knows no race or color. So, is diabetes common in Europe? Well, yes. Research shows that diabetes mellitus is a major problem in Europe, even though its rate differs between the countries.
In addition, not all European countries have a large percentage of diabetic patients. Countries like Germany and Greece have a high percentage of people living with diabetes.
Diabetes has become one of the leading diseases affecting many in Europe. As people continue to sit behind desks and consume more and more unhealthy food, diabetes is on the increase across Europe. However, if people eat right, and follow other heathy tips, the pervalent rate of diabetes in Europe will drop.
Leave a Reply