World Diabetes Day (WDD) stands as one of the most significant global campaigns aimed at raising awareness about diabetes, a disease affecting millions worldwide. Celebrated annually on November 14, this day reaches over 160 countries. With impact the lives of more than 100 crore people.
The focus of WDD is to promote understanding of the disease, encourage early diagnosis, and advocate for better access to care. Also, treatment for those living with diabetes.
The growing challenge of diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder where the body fails to efficiently use or produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational diabetes.
While Type 1 is typically diagnosed in childhood. Instead, Type 2 is more prevalent in adults and is often linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of physical activity. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
If left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, nerve damage, kidney failure, and vision loss. According to the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF), diabetes caused over 67 lakh deaths in 2021 alone. This, with an estimated 53.7 crore people living with the condition globally.
Alarmingly, nearly half of those with Type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed, making it vital to spread awareness about its early signs and prevention.
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World Diabetes Day 2024 theme: “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, calls attention to the need for improved diabetes management and highlights the mental and physical health challenges faced by those living with the disease. It encourages action to bridge the gaps in care, ensuring that more people have access to quality education, treatment, and support.
Prevention and management
One of the most concerning statistics is the growing number of people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. The good news is that Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring one’s health. The IDF emphasizes the importance of making small, sustainable changes to reduce the risk, including:
- Reducing intake of sugary foods and refined carbs.
- Eating smaller meals throughout the day and focusing on foods with a low Glycemic Index.
- Engaging in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress.
- Regularly checking blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
By adopting these habits, individuals can lower their risk of diabetes and its associated complications. World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder that with the right information, resources, and support, we can collectively combat this growing global health challenge.
