In brief

• Prof. Grzegorz Dzida warns that in young people diabetes can run very severely and lead to changes in the circulatory system.
• According to NFZ data, the number of adults with diabetes has grown over nine years, and many patients do not know they have the disease.
• World Diabetes Day falls on 14 November and commemorates the discovery of insulin in 1921.

A severe course in the young

Internist and diabetologist from the Medical University of Lublin, Prof. Grzegorz Dzida, warns that in young people diabetes can run exceptionally severely. In his view, changes in the circulatory system can be so serious that they can no longer be reversed (Millions of Poles are sick, the course can be devastating. "It leads to devastation of the circulatory system" – WP abcZdrowie).

Scale of the disease

The latest data from the National Health Fund show that over nine years the number of adults with diabetes has clearly increased, and many patients are unaware of their disease.

A day that reminds us of the disease

World Diabetes Day is observed on 14 November. It was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. The date commemorates the birthday of Frederick Banting, who together with Charles Best discovered insulin in 1921 (On 14 November we observe World Diabetes Day – ostrowmaz.com)

What is worth knowing

Early diagnosis helps reduce the risk of complications. People with symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination or weakness should see a doctor and have their blood glucose level tested.

Also read

• World Diabetes Day: modern treatment goes beyond medication, and patients are counting on education and equal access to care