World Diabetes Day 2024: Lifestyle changes key to prevention
Diabetes is one of the world’s largest health crises, affecting over half a billion people across all age groups. It ranks among the top ten leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, contributing to serious complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and limb amputations. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), diabetes accounts for over four million deaths annually. Shockingly, one-quarter of the world’s adult diabetic population lives in India (212 million of the 828 million) as reported by The Lancet.
Numerous initiatives have been undertaken both nationally and internationally to tackle the rise of diabetes. Among them, a worldwide initiative organised by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO is the World Diabetes Day.
Diabetes, also known as Diabetes Mellitus, is a chronic condition marked by high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, it can adversely affect multiple organs, including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and nerves. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2, which typically occurs in adults when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes is preventable and manageable through healthy lifestyle choices, getting regular screening and treatment, making it an example of a “disease of affluence”— conditions that are often linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and lack of physical activity.
The Role of World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day, observed each year on November 14, aims to raise awareness about diabetes prevention, treatment, and care. The date was chosen to honour Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922, along with Charles Best. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” which underpins the importance of reducing diabetes risk and ensuring that all people, regardless of where they live, have access to affordable, fair, high-quality care and treatment.
The Silent Killer
Diabetes is often termed the “silent killer” because it can develop without obvious symptoms in its initial stages. Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss despite a good appetite. Many people with Type 2 diabetes don’t experience noticeable symptoms until the disease has progressed, making early detection crucial.
"Given the disabling and potentially fatal consequences of diabetes, preventing diabetes through healthy diet and exercise is essential for better health throughout the world," stated Dr R.M. Anjana, president of the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation and one of the authors of the Lancet study. She pointed out how using the HbA1c (average blood sugar count of three months) blood test and fasting glucose rate as calculation benchmarks could have increased the prevalence numbers.
Taking Action: "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps"
As the majority of the world’s diabetic population resides in low and middle-income countries, initiatives like World Diabetes Day are vital for raising awareness and reducing the economic burden of diabetes. By promoting education, improving access to healthcare, and encouraging early intervention, we can help reduce the impact of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those affected.
This World Diabetes Day, let us break down barriers and bridge gaps in healthcare access. Education and awareness are key to empowering individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices, reduce their risk of developing diabetes, and live better lives.
Let’s commit to making informed decisions for our health and help those around us do the same—because when it comes to diabetes, knowledge and action are the best tools for prevention.
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Pakistan reports two more polio cases; Total tally now 52
ISLAMABAD: At least two more cases of poliovirus were reported in Pakistan, taking the number of infections to 52 so far this year, a report said on Friday.
“The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health has confirmed the detection of two more wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases in Pakistan," an official statement said.
The fresh infections — a boy and a girl — were reported from the Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.
“Genetic sequencing of the samples collected from the children is underway," the statement read. Dera Ismail Khan, one of the seven polio-endemic districts of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, has reported five polio cases so far this year.
Of the 52 cases in the country this year, 24 are from Balochistan, 13 from Sindh, 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and one each from Punjab and Islamabad.
There is no cure for polio. Only multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five can keep them protected.
