1. Ancient Egyptians and Indian doctors identified diabetes symptoms

Dating back to as early as 1500 B.C.E, the ancient Egyptians and Indian doctors were the first to recognize the symptoms of what we now know as Diabetes. They referred to it as 'honey urine' due to the high sugar content present in the urine of those affected by the disease. This discovery was a major milestone in the history of medicine, as it was the first time a disease was identified based on its symptoms.

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2. French physician prescribed sugar to treat diabetes in the 1850's

In the 1850's, a French physician had an unorthodox approach to treating diabetes: he recommended that his patients consume large amounts of sugar! This was a radical idea at the time, as sugar was not widely available and was considered a luxury item. Despite this, the physician believed that sugar could help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve the health of his patients. Unfortunately, this approach was not successful and diabetes remains a serious health issue today.

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3. Middle-Aged Pets More Susceptible to Diabetes

As pets age, they can become more susceptible to diabetes, particularly in middle age. Female dogs are twice as likely to develop diabetes than male dogs, while male cats are more prone to the condition than female cats. Diabetes can be a serious health issue for pets, so it's important to be aware of the risk factors and to monitor your pet's health as they age.

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4. The Silent Epidemic

An alarming 8.3% of the US population has been diagnosed with diabetes, but the true number of those affected is likely much higher. In fact, it is estimated that a staggering 7 million Americans are living with diabetes without even knowing it. This means that the number of people living with diabetes in the US is likely closer to 15.3%, a figure that is deeply concerning.

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5. Prevent Type 2 Diet, Exercise, Weight

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preventing type 2 diabetes. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a normal body weight can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by over 50%. While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, type 2 diabetes can be, and leading an active lifestyle is the best way to do so.

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6. 8th Leading Cause of Death Worldwide: Diabetes

In 2011, diabetes became the 8th leading cause of death worldwide, claiming the lives of at least 1.4 million people. This alarming statistic highlights the severity of the disease, which is caused by the body's inability to produce or properly use insulin. Diabetes can lead to a range of serious health complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and blindness. It is estimated that over 422 million people are currently living with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise in the coming years.

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7. Caucasians more likely to have type 1 diabetes

Though type 2 diabetes is more common among minorities such as African Americans and Hispanics, Caucasians are more likely to have type 1 diabetes. In fact, 71% of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes are Caucasian. This is a stark contrast to the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which is more common among minority populations.

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8. The history of diabetes treatment

The 20th century marked a major breakthrough in the treatment of diabetes, with the development of insulin in 1921 and 1922. This revolutionary discovery allowed for the first time for people with diabetes to effectively manage their condition and live a normal life. Insulin has since become the cornerstone of diabetes treatment, and has saved countless lives since its development.

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9. Legumes: Fight Diabetes & Heart Disease

Legumes are a great way to help manage type 2 diabetes, as they can help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. Studies have shown that consuming legumes on a regular basis can help reduce the risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes by up to 20%. Not only that, but legumes are also a great source of dietary fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes in the first place. So, if you have type 2 diabetes, adding legumes to your diet is a great way to help manage your condition and reduce your risk of heart disease.

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10. Sugar and Diabetes

Although eating too much sugar won't directly cause diabetes, it can contribute to weight gain, which increases your risk of developing the condition. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, while type 2 diabetes is usually inherited genetically.

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