On 14th November, millions of people around the world commemorate World Diabetes Day. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) created World Diabetes Day in 1991 in response to growing concerns about the health and economic threat posed by diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic disease wherein the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin in the body. If left untreated, it can lead to serious health conditions such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and limb amputation.
There are 2 major types of Diabetes:
• Type 1 diabetes: previously known as insulin-dependent or childhood-onset diabetes is characterised by the body’s lack of insulin production.
• Type 2 diabetes: formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes is caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin. It is often the result of excess body weight and physical inactivity.
The good news is - diabetes is preventable.
Type 2 diabetes and its complications can be prevented by:
• Maintaining a healthy body weight.
• Performing light physical activity regularly such as a 30-minute workout, and moderate-intensity activities on other days.
• Applying a healthy and balanced diet by avoiding sugar and saturated fats.
• Not smoking as it can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Let’s take advantage of World Diabetes Day by spreading awareness and educating the public on the dangers of diabetes. We can protect our loved ones by reminding them to undergo annual health screenings. Remember that we can also prevent diabetes by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.
Let’s fight diabetes together!
Sources:World Diabetes Day | United NationsDiabetes (who.int)