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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Election results 2024: High stakes battle in Maharashtra, Jharkhand as evm’s open today
Mumbai: The stage is set for the high-stakes Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections, as the results will start trickling in from 8 am.
In Maharashtra, the 288-seat assembly contest pitted the ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The Mahayuti, comprising the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) group, is eyeing a commanding victory, as suggested by most exit polls. The MVA alliance—comprising the Congress, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), and Sharad Pawar’s NCP is trying to reclaim the state.
Meanwhile, in Jharkhand, the contest for the 81-seat assembly sees the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-led INDIA bloc vying for a second term against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led NDA. Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s JMM, along with allies Congress and RJD, faces a stiff challenge from the BJP, AJSU, and smaller partners. With exit polls giving mixed predictions, ranging from an NDA edge to a potential hung assembly.
Additionally, bypoll results in 15 assembly constituencies across states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Kerala, and Uttarakhand will also be announced today.
