World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, is more than just a calendar event; it is a global call to action and awareness. Imagine a world where blue circles, which represent togetherness in the fight against diabetes, illuminate landmarks, bridges, and hearts all around the world. These shining circles serve as a reminder that, similar to the moon's gentle guiding light, there is hope and determination shared across continents to face the darkness that diabetes brings.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a dangerous and chronic disease marked by consistently elevated blood glucose levels caused by either insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to use the insulin that is generated. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death and morbidity worldwide, affecting people of all ages, genders, and geographical locations (Hossain et al., 2024).

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines diabetes mellitus as a chronic metabolic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels that eventually damages the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020; Stumvoll et al., 2005; Weyer et al., 1999). Type 1 and type 2, the two most prevalent forms of DM, both have established diagnostic standards (Ahmad et al., 2022). 

The main cause of type 1 diabetes is the autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas (Ahmad et al., 2022). Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are closely associated with type 2 diabetes, which has a significant genetic component (Hossain et al., 2024). Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), which accounts for more than 90% of cases of diabetes mellitus, is characterized by tissue insulin resistance (IR), insufficient compensatory insulin secretory response, and insufficient insulin secretion by pancreatic islet β-cells (Galicia-Garcia et al., 2020; Stumvoll et al., 2005; Weyer et al., 1999). Pregnant women with gestational diabetes are more likely to experience problems during pregnancy and delivery, which could affect both the mother and the fetus (Sun et al., 2022).

Imagine families and communities wearing blue and sharing stories of perseverance, victory, and empathy. Children discover how their bodies work, while parents discuss the value of balance, exercise, and healthy food. Healthcare providers and researchers receive awards for their continuous commitment to progress, dedicating themselves to a future in which diabetes can be prevented and treated. This day provides an opportunity for families, workplaces, and schools to remove misconceptions about diabetes and to embrace compassion, understanding, and support. Every step taken at events like walks and races serves as a symbol of progress and unity in the fight for a healthy future.

According to the 9th edition of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the prevalence of diabetes worldwide reached pandemic levels in 2019, with 463 million adults having the disease. The aging of populations has been identified as the primary cause of the increased prevalence of diabetes. However, other significant factors contributing to higher prevalence include declining mortality among diabetics as a result of better medical care and rising diabetes incidence in certain nations as a result of rising prevalence of diabetes risk factors, particularly obesity (Chan et al., 2020; Sun et al., 2022).

According to estimates from the IDF, 537 million people worldwide—or 10.5% of the total population—had diabetes in 2021, which led to $966 billion in global healthcare costs (Hossain et al., 2024). By 2045, this health expense is expected to increase to about $1054 billion. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is predicted to rise to 643 million people (11.3%) by 2030 and 783 million people (12.2%) by 2045, which is alarming (Ong et al., 2023).

On World Diabetes Day, the pharmacist stands out as a beacon of guidance, care, and support on the path to a healthier world. Imagine walking into a pharmacy where the pharmacist is more than simply a medication dispenser; they are a trusted friend, an empathetic listener, and a diabetes expert. Their expertise penetrates every encounter, empowering people to manage their diabetes confidently and efficiently.

In every part of the world, pharmacists play a turning role in the fight against diabetes. They teach patients how to regulate their blood sugar levels, the value of balanced nutrition, and the important function of medication adherence. They provide gentle assistance to help patients comprehend the complexities of diabetes, transforming uncertainty into clarity and fear into empowerment. For recently diagnosed patients, the pharmacist is typically the first calming voice, providing answers and calming fears.

Imagine a pharmacist leading a small, supportive lecture in the center of the pharmacy, where patients may learn about developments in diabetes treatment, how to utilize monitoring devices, and how to recognize the early indicators of high or low blood sugar. There are tables loaded with colorful literature on healthy eating, blood glucose tracking logs, and ideas for transforming common meals into nourishing bodily support.

In each chat, the pharmacist tailors advise to the patient's specific lifestyle, drugs, and needs. With their skilled eye, they detect indicators of troubles early on, frequently avoiding significant health problems from occurring. They additionally speak to families, educating caregivers on how to support their diabetic loved ones. For those living in distant or disadvantaged locations, the pharmacist may be the only healthcare practitioner they see on a regular basis, making them an important link in managing this complex disease.

Whether or not a person has diabetes, World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to reflect on a future in which everyone has access to the tools, knowledge, and healthcare they require to live a full, happy life. It's a shared vision of a time when the globe has joined together to turn the tide of history. The pharmacist is at the forefront of the battle against diabetes on World Diabetes Day, not only in the background. As advocates for patients and guardians of health, they exemplify the spirit of the day by illuminating the path forward with each prescription they fill, each question they answer, and each life they touch.

References:

• Ahmad, E., Lim, S., Lamptey, R., Webb, DR., and Davies, MJ. (2022). Type 2 diabetes. The Lancet, 400(10365): 1803‐1820.

• Chan, JCN., Lim, L-L., Wareham, NJ. et al. (2020). The Lancet Commission on diabetes: using data to transform diabetes care and patient lives. Lancet, 396 (10267): 2019–82.

• Galicia-Garcia, U., Benito-Vicente, A., Jebari, S. et al. (2020). Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Int J Mol Sci, 21(17): 6275. doi: 10.3390/ijms21176275.

• Hossain, MJ., Al-Mamun, M., and Islam, MR. (2024). Diabetes mellitus, the fastest growing global public health concern: Early detection should be focused. Health Sci Rep, 7(3): e2004. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.2004.

• Ong, KL., Stafford, LK., McLaughlin, SA. et al. (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the global burden of disease study 2021. Lancet, 402: 203‐234.

• Stumvoll, M., Goldstein, B.J., and van Haeften, T.W. (2005). Type 2 diabetes: Principles of pathogenesis and therapy. Lancet, 365: 1333–1346. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(05)61032-X.

• Sun, H., Saeedi, P., Karuranga, S. et al. (2022). IDF Diabetes Atlas: Global, regional and country-level diabetes prevalence estimates for 2021 and projections for 2045. Diabetes Res Clin Pract, 183: 109119. doi: 10.1016/j.diabres.2021.109119.

• Weyer, C., Bogardus, C., Mott, D.M., and Pratley, R.E. (1999). The natural history of insulin secretory dysfunction and insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. J. Clin. Investig, 104: 787–794. doi: 10.1172/JCI7231.