Explore the realm of medicine with Chula Pharmacy on World Diabetes Day,

    Every November 14th marks World Diabetes Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the global health challenge of diabetes. The World Health Organization reports a staggering 422 million people worldwide living with diabetes, and in Thailand alone, the number reaches 3.3 million, incurring an annual treatment cost exceeding 47,000 million baht.

    Diabetes, known as such in Thailand due to the presence of sugar in the urine of affected individuals, poses significant health risks. The root cause lies in the hormone insulin—either insufficient production or the body's resistance to its effects. This imbalance results in elevated blood sugar levels, leading to complications such as kidney deterioration, stroke, coronary artery disease, peripheral neuropathy causing numbness, retinal degeneration, and compromised immunity.

    Notably, diabetes often manifests without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Patients may only become aware during routine check-ups, discovering elevated blood sugar levels alongside complications. Recognizing the importance of vigilance over minor abnormalities and undergoing annual health check-ups becomes crucial for early diabetes detection. Early intervention, including medication to control blood sugar, blood pressure management, and lifestyle adjustments such as dietary changes and exercise, can prevent severe complications.

    Individuals with risk factors, such as overweight status, high waist circumference, a family history of diabetes, a history of gestational diabetes or ovarian cysts (PCOS), and those with high blood pressure, high blood fat, stroke, or heart disease, should undergo annual diabetes screenings.

    While diabetes has no definitive cure, effective medications and lifestyle modifications can lead to long and healthy lives for patients. Many successfully manage the condition through diet control and regular doctor check-ups, while neglecting medication adherence may lead to severe complications like kidney failure. Timely detection and collaborative patient engagement are pivotal for successful diabetes management, determining whether treatment outcomes will be favorable or compromised.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University