According to a report by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the number of people with type 1 diabetes in Indonesia reached 41,800 in 2022.
This figure makes Indonesia the country with the highest number of type 1 diabetes sufferers in ASEAN, and 34th out of 204 countries globally.
The majority of type 1 diabetes sufferers in Indonesia are aged between 20 and 59 years. However, there is also a significant number of younger sufferers, as shown in the graph.
Diabetes is a condition characterized by impaired insulin production. Insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and converts glucose into energy.
In the case of type 1 diabetes, the body cannot produce insulin at all. This is different from type 2 diabetes, where the body can still produce insulin, but the amount is insufficient or it does not function properly.
According to the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), the number of type 1 diabetes sufferers is smaller than type 2, with a proportion of only about 10% of the total number of diabetes sufferers.
Impaired insulin production can cause sugar to build up in the blood, potentially leading to diseases such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, blindness, and kidney failure.
The Kemenkes states that diabetes can be prevented by avoiding sugary foods and drinks, and replacing white bread or pasta with whole grains.
"Exercise also helps lower blood sugar levels. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) recommends 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking and climbing stairs," said the Kemenkes on its official website.