Did you know that one out of every 20 people in the world has diabetes? That equates to 347 million people on this planet who live with this horrendous condition, and it is projected that the total number of deaths caused by diabetes will more than double within the next 10 years. Indeed, a new case of diabetes is diagnosed every three minutes, meaning that 32,000 people a week are diagnosed with diabetes.

A minority of those with the condition have Type 1 diabetes, which is usually discovered in a person’s childhood and for which there is no known cure. Type 2, which affects 90-95% of people with diabetes, can be delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes such as a healthier diet and increased exercise. It is usually discovered in a person’s adult years, although childhood diagnoses are becoming more common.

This infographic, which was created by Union Quay Medical Centre (http://www.unionquaymedicalcentre.ie/general-practice.html) in Ireland, gives an informed overview of diabetes and tackles a few frequently cited misconceptions about the condition. It also suggests ways in which Type 2 sufferers can reduce the harmful effects of diabetes, which in extreme cases include heart disease, blindness and kidney failure.

There is no escaping the fact that diabetes has become a widespread epidemic and, as mentioned previously, it is expected to get a lot worse before it gets better. If you are unfortunate enough to have the condition, or if you know someone who has, we strongly urge you to read the infographic below and see if there are lifestyle changes that can be made.