November 14 is World Diabetes Day.

Diabetes has become one of the most significant public health challenges of our time. It affects millions of people, crosses every age group, and can lead to serious medical complications if left undiagnosed or poorly controlled. Yet, despite its prevalence, many people remain unaware that they have the disease or that they may be at increased risk of developing it.

The numbers are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 40.1 million Americans have diabetes, representing about one in every eight people. Even more concerning, an estimated 11 million people have diabetes but do not know it. Another 115 million American adults have prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.

Worldwide, the International Diabetes Federation estimates that approximately 589 million adults are living with diabetes.

What exactly is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the body's ability to regulate blood glucose, commonly called blood sugar. Our bodies depend on insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to help glucose enter cells where it can be used for energy.

In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The body produces little or no insulin, and patients require insulin treatment. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating too much sugar or being overweight, and there is currently no established way to prevent it.

Type 2 diabetes is much more common, accounting for approximately 90-95 percent of adult diabetes cases. In this form, the body's cells become resistant to insulin, and eventually the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.

If blood sugar remains elevated over time, damage can occur to blood vessels, nerves, kidneys and eyes. Diabetes also increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, circulation problems and serious foot complications.

Can you recognize the warning signs?

Some common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision, unexplained weight changes and wounds that heal slowly. However, Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, sometimes without noticeable symptoms. That is why routine blood testing is so important.

How can we control diabetes?

For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, proper management is essential. This includes regular monitoring of blood glucose, following an appropriate nutritional plan, maintaining physical activity, and taking prescribed medications.

Patients should also monitor their A1C, a blood test that measures average blood glucose over approximately three months. Regular examinations of the eyes, kidneys, feet, blood pressure and cholesterol are important because complications can develop before symptoms become apparent.

Diabetes management is not simply about lowering blood sugar. It is about protecting the entire body.

Can we prevent Type 2 diabetes, particularly with a family history?

This is perhaps the most important message of World Diabetes Day.

Having a parent, brother or sister with Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of developing the disease. Genetics plays a role, but family history does not make diabetes inevitable.

There are several important steps people can take to reduce their risk:

1. Maintain a healthy weight. Even losing 5-7 percent of body weight, if you are overweight, can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
2. Stay physically active. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Walking, swimming and cycling are excellent choices. Activity helps the body use insulin more effectively.
3. Improve your diet. Choose vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lean proteins and high-fiber foods. Limit sugary beverages, highly processed foods, and excessive refined carbohydrates.
4. Know your numbers. Ask your health care provider about regular blood glucose and A1C testing, especially if diabetes runs in your family. Prediabetes can be detected through simple blood tests, often before any symptoms appear.
5. Don't ignore prediabetes. This is an important warning that your blood sugar is higher than normal. Early lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the development of Type 2 diabetes.

A message for World Diabetes Day

Diabetes is a serious disease, but it is not a reason to surrender control of your health. Early detection, education, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes can make an enormous difference.

If diabetes runs in your family, don't wait for symptoms. Talk to your physician and get tested.

World Diabetes Day is more than a date on the calendar. It is a reminder that knowledge, prevention and personal responsibility can help save lives.

Know the risks. Get tested. Take control.