World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes mellitus and is held on November 14 each year.
Led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), each World Diabetes Day(WDD) focuses on a theme related to diabetes. It was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to the alarming rise of diabetes around the world.
World Diabetes Day is a campaign that features a new theme chosen by the International Diabetes Federation each year to address issues facing the global diabetes community. While the campaigns last the whole year, the day itself marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.
Each year, World Diabetes Day is centred on a theme related to diabetes. Topics covered have included diabetes and human rights, diabetes and lifestyle, diabetes and obesity, diabetes in the disadvantaged and the vulnerable, and diabetes in children and adolescents. As of 2000 at least 171 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, or 2.8% of the population. (Source: Wikipedia)
World Diabetes Day Logo
The logo for World Diabetes Day is a blue circle, the global symbol for diabetes. The logo was adopted by the IDF in 2007 to mark the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution. The blue border is meant to reflect the colour of the sky and of the United Nations flag.
World Diabetes Day Theme
The theme of World Diabetes Day 2016 is ‘Eyes on Diabetes’. The year’s activities and materials will focus on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Screening for Type 2 diabetes is important to modify its course and reduce the risk of complications.
- Diabetes is a huge and growing burden: 415 million adults were living with diabetes in 2015 and this number is expected to increase to around 642 million or one in ten adults by 2040.
- One in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed.
- Many people live with type 2 diabetes for a long period of time without being aware of their condition. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present.
- Up to 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles, equivalent to up to 160 million cases by 2040.
- With increasing levels of poor nutrition and physical inactivity among children in many countries, Type 2 diabetes in childhood has the potential to become a global public health issue leading to serious health outcomes.
- 12% of total global expenditure on health is currently spent on adults with diabetes.
- The number of people with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries will continue to grow, posing a threat to sustainable development. For example by 2040, the number of people with diabetes in Africa is expected to double.
Screening for diabetes complications is an essential part of managing all types of diabetes
- One in two people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, which makes them particularly susceptible to the complications of the condition, causing substantial disability and premature death.
- Delayed diagnosis means that many people with type 2 diabetes will suffer from at least one complication by the time they are diagnosed with diabetes.
- In many countries diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower-limb amputation.
- More than 93 million adults, or one in three, currently living with diabetes have diabetic retinopathy.
- Early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of diabetes on individuals, their careers and society.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin (hormone released by pancreas) or use the insulin for regulation of blood sugar levels in the body. Diabetes is mainly of two types:
Type 1 Diabetes – It is also known as insulin dependent, juvenile or childhood onset diabetes. It is caused due to deficiency of insulin production in the body and occurs in the childhood. It can develop at any time after birth. It can be managed by daily administration of insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes – It is also known as non-insulin dependent or adult-onset diabetes. It is a condition in which the pancreatic cells are not able to use the insulin produced in the body. It is usually associated with overweight adults.
Also Read: 10 Diabetes Myths Busted!
Symptoms of Diabetes
Some of the common symptoms of Diabetes includes:
- Polyuria (Frequent Urination)
- Polydipsia (Increased Thirst)
- Polyphagia (Increased Hunger)
- Weakness
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Blurred vision
- Numbness or tingling in feet
- Slow healing of cuts/wounds
Prevention
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. But Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by lifestyle modification especially dietary modification.
Tips to prevent Type 2 diabetes:
1. Dietary Modifications
- Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat fibre rich foods like whole grains, pulses and sprouts in your diet.
- Reduce your intake of oil. Avoid fried foods.
- Prefer to steam your vegetables rather than fry them.
- Eat small meals every 2-3 hours regularly instead of consuming large meals.
- Reduce the consumption of sugar, alcohol and fatty foods in your diet.
- Don’t be dependent upon takeaway and processed/packaged foods.
- Maintain healthy body weight.
2. Lifestyle Modifications
- Exercise regularly for at least half an hour.
- Prefer to climb stairs rather than using elevators or escalators.
- Avoid sitting in same position for longer duration at your workplaces. Take short breaks frequently.
- Practice yoga at home in case it is not possible to go outdoors.
- Indulge in household chores in order to keep yourself active and fit.
The burden of disease is rapidly increasing due to diabetes and related disorders. It can lead to severe complications resulting in permanent damage to vital organs of the body and therefore, it is essential to control diabetes.
Related: World Health Day 2016: Beat Diabetes
7 superfoods to keep Diabetes at bay
Superfoods to keep Diabetes at bay:
- Millets: These are very good source of protein, resistant starch, vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. They are rich in anti-oxidants too.
- Beans: They are rich in fibre and protein, and also provide satiety and help control hunger pangs.
- Fish: They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acid which helps keep cholesterol and triglycerides in check. The omega-3 also helps the body fight against oxidative damage caused due to free radicals.
- Cinnamon: It helps in controlling the blood sugar levels, the active ingredient being the Coumarin. It should be taken early in the morning.
- Spirulina: It contains vitamins such as Vitamin A, B-complex, Vitamin E, minerals like iron, zinc, copper and selenium. It fulfills the micro-nutrient deficiencies which are usually present in diabetics due to improper food intake.
- Alfalfa: It is a very good source of chlorophyll, vitamin A, B-complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin K. It contains minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc along with phytoestrogens which help enhance the body’s immunity to fight against bacterial infection, fungal infection and also helps in lowering blood glucose.
- Sweet potato: It is a good source of fibre. It also contains vitamin A and C which helps in enhancing the body’s immunity.
Wake up!. Go outdoors. Stress your muscles and indulge in exercises like walking, swimming, jogging, gym, sports.
Adequate exercise and dietary control is the secret to a healthy future!
Share and spread awareness!
DIABETES HAS BECOME ONE OF THE COMMONLY OCCURRING SERIOUS DISEASE DUE TO OUR CHANGING LIFE STYLE .DUE TO BUSY LIFE SCHEDULE WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE CARE OF OUR HEALTH AND FINALLY BECOME DEPENDENT ON MEDICATIONS. IN MY VIEW EXERCISE IS THE USEFUL REMEDY FOR SUCH TYPE OF DISEASES LIKE DIABETES.
PAWAN KUMAR recently posted…Funny jokes
Hi Pawan
Diabetes is very common these days. Its true that changes in lifestyle and exercise can help control it.
Thanks for sharing your views
Have a nice day!
Hi Sonal,
it is sad how many people and even kids have diabetes.
It is good to remind to eat the right food and prevent it.
Good you did really write a comprehensive article about
to make aware of the cause and how to eat right to prevent it.
Thank you for a good work
Erika
Erika Mohssen-Beyk recently posted…Why Is The Law Of Attraction Incomplete ? What is being left out?
Hi Erika mam
Diabetes can be controlled but the problem is that people are not aware of it. I hope the post helps everyone.
Glad that you liked it!
Have a nice day!
Hello, Sonal.
I shared this information. It’s so important! In my age group, just about all the men I know have diabetes (thankfully, not my husband). It doesn’t have to be a given that you will get diabetes.
You have so much important serious information here. Thank you for the research and for sharing. Type 2 can be avoided!
Deborah
Deborah A. Ten Brink recently posted…10 Ways To Tap Your Creativity [video]
Hi Deborah
Thanks for sharing your views! I hope it helps everyone out there.
Have a nice day!
It’s scary just how prevalent diabetes is these days. Thanks for helping to educate people on how to prevent it through diet and lifestyle changes.
Hi Ruth
Thanks for taking time out to read my post. Glad that you liked it.
Have a nice day!
Hi Sonal,
Amazing post, I never had this information. So a big thanks.
Have a good day.
Hi Harry
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your feedback.
Have a nice day!
This is a well thought out and researched post. The more we share this information the more people that we can help.
Dr. Elise Cohen Ho recently posted…Fun With Friends at Tavern Bowl
Hi Elise
Very true…we need to share it as much as possible so that people are aware of it.
Thanks for writing in.
Have a nice day!
Hi Sonal,
I was not aware of world Diabetes day. I was also not aware about the disease it’s self, even though it is very prevalent in this day and age. My friends and family do not have it with the exception of my step-daughter who has it but only when pregnant.
Very informative article. Now I know the basics of this terrible disease. Thank you for your information on the subject.
Kathryn Maclean recently posted…Your 5 Step Process for Successful Social Media Strategy
Hi Kathryn
Its always wonderful to read your comments.
Glad that you found the post useful.
Have a nice day!