On November 14 every year, we observe World Diabetes Day. So this issue of ours on 12th November is published with cover story on World Diabetes Day. This year’s diabetes day is observed with the theme, “Women and diabetes - our right to a healthy future”.

Diabetes is brought on by disorder of blood levels of insulin, a pancreatic hormone that helps our

system convert blood glucose, or blood sugar, into energy.

Because all human body tissue, must have a steady supply of glucose, diabetes can affect every organ. In particular, it can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and nerve problems. Diabetes control is affected by the three D's - Diet, Drugs and Discipline in life style.

There are two kinds of diabetes. About ten per cent of cases worldwide are diabetes type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes, which is also called juvenile diabetes because it often develops in children and young adults. In this type of autoimmune disease, the body's mechanisms for protecting itself against foreign organisms are turned against its own healthy tissue.  

Ninety per cent of the cases of diabetes are type II, non-insulin- dependent diabetes mellitus. This form occurs in overweight- aged and older adults. In Asia and in Bangladesh, type II diabetes has become a threat in the new millennium. As of now, there are over 50,000 new cases in Bangladesh every year.