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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India to pursue extradition of Khalistani separatist Arsh Dalla with Canada following his arrest
New Delhi, Nov 14: India on Thursday said it will pursue an extradition request with Canada for Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force, following his arrest in that country.
Dalla was designated in India as a terrorist in 2023.
In July 2023, India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest.
"In view of the recent arrest, our agencies will be following up on an extradition request," Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.
"Given Arsh Dalla's criminal record in India and his involvement in similar illegal activities in Canada, it is expected that he will be extradited or deported to face justice in India," he added.
Dalla was reportedly arrested by the Canadian Police late last month.
"We have seen media reports circulating since November 10 on the arrest in Canada of proclaimed offender Arsh Singh Gill alias Arsh Dalla, the de-facto chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force," Jaiswal said.
"Canadian print and visual media have widely reported on the arrest. We understand that the Ontario Court has listed the case for hearing," he added.
Jaiswal was replying to media queries regarding the arrest of Dalla.
"Arsh Dalla is a proclaimed offender in over 50 cases of murder, attempt to murder, extortion and terrorist acts, including terror financing. In May 2022, a Red Corner Notice was issued against him," Jaiswal said.
"He was designated in India as an individual terrorist in 2023. In July 2023, the Government of India had requested the Canadian government for his provisional arrest. This was declined," he added.
Jaiswal said India had provided additional information in the case to the Canadian authorities.
"A separate request was also sent to Canada under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to verify Arsh Dalla's suspected residential address, his financial transactions to India, moveable/immovable properties, details of mobile numbers etc - all of which were provided to Canadian authorities in January 2023," Jaiswal said.
"In December 2023, the Department of Justice of Canada sought additional information on the case. A reply to these queries was sent in March this year," he added.
Our response to media queries regarding the arrest of a designated terrorist in Canada:https://t.co/c6CasRuteb pic.twitter.com/XfH4S5UzUr
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) November 14, 2024
