Understanding Diabetes Across Life Stages on World Diabetes Day 2025

Have you ever wondered how diabetes affects people differently at various stages of life, from childhood to old age? Every phase brings unique challenges and care needs. To highlight this, World Diabetes Day, observed globally on November 14, focuses this year on the theme “Diabetes Across Life Stages.”

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management of diabetes for people of all ages. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can cause serious harm to the body — damaging nerves, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and the heart, and even leading to complications such as blindness, kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and limb amputations.

In India alone, over 101 million adults are estimated to have diabetes, and about 25 million are prediabetic. Worryingly, many people remain undiagnosed, putting them at risk for long-term health issues. India now ranks second in the world, after China, in the number of adults living with diabetes. The rise is strongly linked to unhealthy diets, reduced physical activity, and stressful urban lifestyles.

Dr. B Padmanabha Varma, Endocrinologist in Nizampet at Sri Sri Holistic Hospitals , gives an insight into how timely care, healthy habits, and awareness at every life stage can help prevent and manage diabetes effectively.

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition where your blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. Normally, a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter your cells for energy.

When your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, glucose builds up in the blood instead of being used for energy. Over time, this can cause damage to vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.

Dr B Padmanabha Varma
Consultant Endocrinologist
MBBS, DNB, DM
Sri Sri Holistic Hospital, Nizampet

Types of Diabetes

•​Type 1 Diabetes: The body stops producing insulin because the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. It’s commonly seen in children and young adults and requires lifelong insulin treatment.

•​Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form of diabetes. The body doesn’t use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels. It’s closely linked to being overweight, unhealthy eating, and lack of physical activity, but can often be prevented or delayed with lifestyle changes.

•​Gestational Diabetes: This form occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth. However, women who develop it are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

•​Prediabetes: A warning stage where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diabetes. With early lifestyle changes, it can often be reversed.

Diabetes Across Life Stages

The theme “Diabetes Across Life Stages” emphasizes that diabetes care and prevention look different at each point in life:

•​Children and Teens: Need support to understand diabetes management and maintain healthy routines.

•​Adults: Should focus on work-life balance, exercise, and managing stress to prevent or control diabetes.

•​Older Adults: Require careful monitoring to prevent complications and maintain independence.

The message is clear: diabetes can be managed at every stage of life with awareness, education, and regular medical care.

Conclusion

Diabetes may be common, but it doesn’t have to define one’s life. With early diagnosis, healthy living, and consistent medical guidance, individuals can lead full, active lives at every age.

At Sri Sri Holistic Hospitals, Nizampet, Dr. B PadmanabhaVarma and his expert team provide comprehensive diabetes care, from screening and treatment to personalized lifestyle management, helping patients stay healthy across every stage of life. Book your appointment today and take the first step toward better diabetes control and a healthier future.