Today is "World Diabetes Day". There are 700,000 diabetic patients in Hong Kong, accounting for 10% of the total population, and there is a trend of younger onset. Let’s take this opportunity today to learn more about diabetes and prevent it early on.

Two main types of diabetes

Diabetes is mainly classified into type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Dr Wong Cheuk Lik, a specialist in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, pointed out that type 1 diabetes is mainly caused by an autoimmune problem, which makes the body attack pancreatic cells and prevents patients from producing enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance due to genes and environmental factors such as lack of exercise and obesity, which make cells less sensitive to insulin. Some patients may have abnormal secretion of incretins, leading to the disease.

Obesity as a risk factor

The rise of diabetes in the younger population in recent years may be related to childhood obesity. General practitioner Dr Lam Tung believes that in recent years, there is a trend of late marriage and low birth rates worldwide, with most families having only one or two children. Therefore, parents tend to spoil their children and often use food or drinks as rewards. If children also lack exercise, they are more likely to become overweight. If overweight children do not revise their lifestyle habits as they grow up, they are likely to remain overweight as adults, increasing their risk of developing insulin resistance, hence a higher risk of diabetes.

More than 30% of patients die from cardiovascular disease

Diabetic patients have high blood sugar levels, which can affect blood vessels throughout the body, leading to various complications such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy. Cardiologist Dr Fu Chiu Lai further pointed out that the heart is also affected by diabetes, and in fact, more than 30% of diabetic patients ultimately die from cardiovascular disease. To prevent complications of diabetes, it is important to follow doctors’ instructions to control blood sugar levels through medication and dietary adjustments. Patients should also engage in regular exercise, quit smoking, reduce nightlife activities, and maintain a regular sleep schedule. If patients experience any suspicious symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately.