Learn More About The Silent Sweet Epidemic This World Diabetes Day

14 November each year is observed as World Diabetes Day, giving us an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a serious yet often ignored public health threat. The fact that the number of people affected by diabetes is growing at an accelerating rate has made World Diabetes Day 2024 even more significant than ever before. The day emphasizes that individual and collective actions are a must to improve the prevention and diagnosis and proper treatment of diabetes.

According to WHO, more than 420 million people are living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It has been estimated to cross 500 million by 2030. The case of diabetes is completely different from other non-communicable diseases as while premature mortality from other major noncommunicable diseases has decreased, early deaths from diabetes have increased by 5% since 2000, making it a critical global public health issue.

World Diabetes Day 2024

Every year, World Diabetes Day comes with a different theme, for 2024 it is, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” This theme highlights the commitment of WHO along with various international organizations to make sure that individuals diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, holistic, affordable and quality treatment and care.

Let's take our responsibility on this Diabetes Awareness Day to help in spreading awareness about the symptoms and prevention of diabetes. If we all educate only one person about the risks and the ways to manage diabetes effectively or about World Diabetes Day, this very small effort can bring a significant change to the lives of many.

History of World Diabetes Day

Let's delve into the history and collect some more information about World Diabetes Day. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225. However, it was created much earlier in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization.

There is also a special significance with the date of 14 November, it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who was co-founder of insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. World Diabetes  Awareness Day is the world's largest campaign to spread awareness about diabetes which covers over 160 countries and a huge global audience of around 1 billion.

Diabetes is a group of diseases which leads to a high blood glucose level in an individual. There are three types of it –

1. Type 1 diabetes - It's a chronic disease, caused when the pancreas produces little or no insulin - a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. It's not curable and must be treated with insulin.
2. Type 2 diabetes - Around 90% of the people suffering from diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It's when the body doesn't produce sufficient insulin or resists insulin. It can be easily managed by following a healthier diet with around 30 minutes of physical activity daily.
3. Gestational diabetes - It's when a woman develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

Diabetes increasing at an alarming rate

World Diabetes Day helps you address the factors contributing to the increased cases of diabetes like never before.
Here are some important factors leading to higher diabetes cases –

1. Lack of physical activity - Nowadays, people spend most of their time on screen whether it is for work or studies or recreation, giving no or very little for physical activities, hence being more prone to obesity which is a direct cause of type 2 diabetes.
2. Pollution - Inhaling pollutants not only increases your oxidative stress but also triggers inflammatory responses which can lead to insulin resistance, making you prone to type 2 diabetes.
3. Stress and depression - Stress and depression cases have become more common now due to heavy workload, pressure of studies and emotional and social stress. These all can notably contribute to diabetes.
4. Obesity - Obesity is a direct and most common cause of diabetes especially type 2. Obesity triggers the metabolism which can lead to insulin resistance. Plus, fat deposits in the belly area can significantly increase your risk of getting diabetes.

Let's try to incorporate at least 20 minutes of physical activity per day which not only avoids obesity but also reduces stress. On this World Diabetes Day, tackle the two most important causes of diabetes in one go.

Best foods to add to your diet to avoid diabetes

1. Spinach - Whether you make a Spinach curry or use it in a salad, spinach is a great option if you want to avoid diabetes due to the presence of magnesium, which reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.
2. Fruits - The fibres present in food prevent blood sugar spikes, and make you feel fuller 
   which helps in weight management. Plus, some fruits like berries may help in increasing insulin sensitivity and hence promoting a healthier blood sugar level.
3. Nuts - Nuts contain polyphenols, which may improve HbA1c and insulin resistance. Some nuts like almonds can work wonders to reduce oxidative stress which is a major cause of type 2 diabetes.
4. Beetroot - Beetroot helps in improving insulin sensitivity and hence preventing the risk of diabetes. Plus, this superfood is packed with folates, potassium, and many other nutrients, making it a wonderful choice to add to your diet to boost your overall health.