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World Diabetes Day (WDD), celebrated every year on November 14, aims to raise global awareness of diabetes, a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. Organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), this event focuses not only on the health risks associated with diabetes, but also on prevention strategies and effective management to live well with diabetes. .
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Each year, World Diabetes Day adopts a theme that highlights important aspects of diabetes care, including diet, physical activity, mental health, and access to healthcare for people managing the disease.
Also read: World Diabetes Day 2023: Theme, Significance. Vegetarian, non-vegetarian and vegan meal plan samples, inside
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is 'Breaking Barriers, Closing Gaps' and focuses on the challenges faced by many people when managing diabetes. These challenges include limited access to healthcare, varying levels of diabetes education, socio-economic barriers, and lack of appropriate support systems. This year's theme calls for international cooperation, policy change, and increased awareness to create fair healthcare opportunities for all, regardless of location, background, or financial means.
The goal is to help people with diabetes effectively manage their condition and prevent complications that can affect their quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented: This form of diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood and cannot be prevented. I need it for life insulin management and monitoring.
Type 2 diabetes is often preventable: Adopting a balanced diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes can cause serious complications: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious health problems such as blindness and kidney failure., Heart attack, stroke, lower limb amputation.
Early detection and consistent care make the difference: Diabetic complications can be prevented or delayed with regular check-ups and appropriate treatment. Regular examinations will be performed to check the health of your kidneys, check your eyes, etc. foot evaluation is especially important.
Quitting smoking reduces your risk of diabetes: Avoiding tobacco reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 30-40%.
Diabetes increases the risk of tuberculosis (TB). People with diabetes are twice as likely to develop tuberculosis and are at increased risk of facing treatment challenges such as multidrug resistance. For people who have both tuberculosis and diabetes, the risk of dying during tuberculosis treatment or of relapse after treatment is twice as high.
Also Read: World Diabetes Day 2020: Types of Carbohydrates in Foods – Learn about Sugar, Starch and Fiber
Access to insulin is limited for many people: Only about half of people with type 2 diabetes receive the insulin they need, often due to health care affordability issues in their countries.
*Source PAHO (Pan American Health Organization)
Regular blood sugar monitoring can help you identify patterns, detect high or low levels, and adjust your diet, medications, and exercise habits. To lower blood sugar levels, it is essential to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range .
Pro tip: Aim to check your blood sugar levels at least once a day, or more frequently as recommended by your healthcare provider. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) may also provide real-time insight into fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Diet plays an important role in diabetes management and can prevent blood sugar spikes and long-term complications. Foods rich in fiber, healthy fats, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and foods with a low glycemic index are especially beneficial.
Pro tip: Include foods like whole grains, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and lean protein. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and trans fats. insulin resistance and an increase in blood sugar levels.
Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, helps control blood sugar levels, and contributes to maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular complications and improves overall mental health.
Pro tip: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. Strength training twice a week can also help improve blood sugar control and maintain muscle mass.
Regular examinations allow health care providers to monitor potential complications and provide timely intervention. Screening for kidney health, eye health, foot care, and cardiovascular health is very important.
Pro tip: Plan a comprehensive health exam at least twice a year. include HbA1c screeningcholesterol levels, blood pressure, kidney function, and eye exams to catch early signs of complications.
Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which negatively impacts blood sugar levels and overall health. Managing stress is essential to both mental and physical health in diabetes management.
Pro tip: Practice stress relief methods such as meditation, Deep breathing exercises, yoga, hobbies that encourage relaxation, etc. Prioritizing sleep and maintaining a support network of family and friends can also increase mental resilience.
(This article was reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Content Editor-in-Chief)
Author profile:
M. Soumya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a postgraduate degree in nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is an experienced professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized meal plans, she emphasizes integrating medication and dietary intake for overall health and emphasizes the importance of a balanced approach to health. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya expertly creates insightful content covering a wide range of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and general health. is being developed.
References:
https://www.paho.org/en/campaigns/world-diabetes-day-2024
https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day/2024
On World Diabetes Day: Diabetes – a growing global health problem, Peter Schwandt
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3506085/
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