Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by chronic high blood sugar levels due to insulin production or utilization problems. It has profound implications for several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Most notably, it impacts SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), emphasizing the need for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and management of diabetes mellitus. The condition's links to lifestyle and diet connect it with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), where balanced nutrition and sustainable agriculture play a critical role in its prevention. Diabetes mellitus also intersects with SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), as it often disproportionately affects socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Furthermore, SDG 4 (Quality Education) is pertinent as education about diabetes, health risks, and lifestyle choices can reduce incidence and improve management of the disease.

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day 2024: Empowering Global Health 

Diabetes remains a pivotal global health challenge, but once a year, the world unites in a singular mission – raising awareness and fostering change. This unity finds its voice in World Diabetes Day 2024.

Diabetes, a non-communicable disease, affects millions across the globe. Yet, not all are aware of its repercussions or preventive measures. World Diabetes Day 2024 provides a platform for everyone – from medical professionals to the general public – to learn, share, and act.

Diabetic neuropathy is the most debilitating complication that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients. It is essential to detect symptoms or signs of diabetic neuropathy and determine risk factors as early as possible to implement interventions and to prevent further neuronal damage. The goal of SDG 3.4 is to reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being 3.4.1 Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease
Elsevier,

Diabetes Without Needles, Non-invasive Diagnostics and Health Management, 2022, Pages 27-92

Introduces diabetes including past, present, and future achievements in this field. The goal of SDG target 3.4.1 is to reduce the mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the working-age diabetic population in India and across the world. It may lead to permanent blindness if not detected in the early stages. The prevalence of DR among diabetics in India was 10% and 16.9% in 2014 and 2019, respectively. In 2019, the International Diabetes Federation estimated that Diabetic Mellitus will affect 101 million people in India in 2030; the largest number in any nation in the world.

This book chapter advances SDGs 3 and 10 by explaining how individuals with diabetes who are of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have poorer diabetes-related outcomes. Digital health advancements provide unique opportunities to reduce health inequities for this high-risk group.
Although it may be an "invisible disability", people with all types of diabetes are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This chapter contributes to SDG 3 by addressing the patterns, risk factors and prevention tactics for the epidemic of diabetes in the US population.