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537M people are living with diabetes worldwide and apprehensively, close to 50% of diabetes is undiagnosed.
We, humans, are made up of millions of cells, each specialised in different functions. From breathing to sensing and smelling, every part of our body performs the routine task. But, when any of our parts stop working smoothly, it becomes a problem for us. In the same way, when our pancreas stops producing enough insulin, it causes diabetes. Diabetes can affect every part of the patient’s life, and well-being. Considering the current statistics, it can be inferred that sufficient support for the person’s well-being was missing from the current diabetes care. World Diabetes Days is the global awareness campaign which intends to educate people on diabetes and focus on making a difference for a better diabetes life. It holds paramount importance to the world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public and political spotlight.
What is World Diabetes Day?
Every year World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14th November. It was first introduced and organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) jointly. Also called World Sugar Day, further, it was also recognised as an official United Nations Day. Authorities marked 14th November as this special day because it is the birth date of Frederick Banting, a scientist who co-discovered insulin in 1922 with Charles Best.
Why is World Diabetes Day Celebrated?
Millions of people globally are diabetic. In 2017, more than 1 million deaths were due to diabetes only, making it the 9th leading cause of mortality. The good news is that it can be prevented through more and more awareness and taking preventive measures. A study says that around 46% of diabetic patients are unaware of their symptoms and treatments. Therefore, this day is organised to raise awareness amongst the people about diagnoses, symptoms, and treatments of diabetes across the world. Authorities also promote the role of the family and friends in diabetes management and raise funds for the treatment of diabetic patients.
Care Health Insurance offers health insurance for diabetes without pre-policy medical check-ups. With both pre- hospitalisation and post-hospitalisation charges covered in addition to the comprehensive hospitalisation coverage, health insurance for diabetics offered at Care Health Insurance is a suitable policy for individuals with pre-existing diabetes.
Diabetes Awareness Ttheme for 2024
The theme for Diabetes Awareness Day 2024 is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”. It aims to highlight the ways to reduce diabetes risk and ensure equitable, comprehensive, quality and affordable treatment & care for people diagnosed with the lifestyle disease.
What is Diabetes?
Before we talk about Diabetes Day, let's first understand what diabetes is. It is a chronic disease that occurs when your blood glucose is too high. Blood glucose or sugar is the main source of energy in your body. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose to get into the cells and produce energy. Sometimes, when the body does not make adequate insulin or does not use insulin properly, the glucose will not reach the cells. This situation creates a deficiency of insulin in the body which is called diabetes.
What are Different Types of Diabetes?
Whether you call it a touch of sugar or borderline diabetes every case of diabetes has to be taken seriously. 36% of people with diabetes experience diabetes distress. Below are the types of diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes
It is a deadly form of diabetes and also known as juvenile diabetes. Under this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces very little or no insulin because your immune system destroys insulin-making cells in your pancreas. As a result, glucose doesn't move into the cells and causes dehydration, weight loss, and stroke. It can also harm the eyes, kidneys, and heart.
Type 2 Diabetes
It is the most common type of diabetes. About 90-95% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes. . Under this, blood sugar levels keep fluctuating. It is a lifelong disease but can be treated with the right use of insulin. It causes excessive thirst, affects genes, weight gain, metabolic syndrome, damage to the liver, and more.
Gestational Diabetes
It is a temporary form of diabetes that occurs in women during pregnancy. Under this, the level of sugar is high in the expecting mother. This type of diabetes often occurs in the second and third trimester of the pregnancy. Mostly, it doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms but more-frequent urination & increased thirst may be possible. Your blood sugar levels return to its usual level after delivery, so getting tested frequently after delivery is recommended. Eating healthy food and practising blood sugar control methods may help you.
How To Live A Healthy Life with Diabetes?
A little of everything can do wonders. Taking practical and feasible steps can help you lead a healthy life even with diabetes.
Control Sugar Cravings:
The more you are restricted from doing something, the more earnestly you want to do it. We understand that you wish to eat sweets secretly, and sometimes you try to deceive your family members’ eyes and grab one more bite of that custard pudding. You can tame those cravings by giving in a little. Have a small serving then and go back to your strict diet later.
Physical Activity:
The consequences of the diseases might be refraining you from being active, but just a little push can help you manage weight. Try to meet the target of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity. Also, a few insurance companies like Care Health Insurance, provide a whopping discount of up to 30% on renewal amount on completing 10,000 steps a day for 270 days in a year. You can also enjoy such wellness benefits while keeping your physical health intact.
Manage Stress:
There is no alternative to stress management when you want to live a healthy life with diabetes. Otherwise, you can be one of those 28% of diabetics who struggle to remain positive with their body. The below-mentioned steps can help you develop a positive mindset towards the disease-
- Practising positive affirmations just after waking up and before going to sleep
- Replacing negative self-talk with positive and elevated thoughts
- Engage in extracurricular activities
- Adapt to a busy lifestyle.
How to Get Involved in World Diabetes Day 2024?
Diabetes day is a global event celebrated in every corner of the world. Various medical associations, medical professionals, NGOs, and individuals join together for this day. The celebration includes:
- Meetings and lectures organised at different places to spread information about this lifestyle disease
- Organise events for affected children and adults to encourage them to face the world as normal beings
- Various television, talk shows, and radio programs go on air to reach mass
- People participate in leaflet and poster campaigning and competition
- Fundraising campaigns for affected people
- Different associations organise exhibitions and conferences, etc.
What Are the Latest Diabetes Treatments?
Apart from β cell regeneration and immunotherapy, the following latest diabetes treatments can be leveraged-
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM): A small sensor that tracks blood glucose levels and informs through smartphone or insulin infusion pump.
- Bariatric surgery: Used to treat morbidly obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2s): It can also lower blood sugar levels, help with weight loss, and protect the heart and kidneys.
- Mounjaro: An FDA-approved treatment that helps to levels of blood sugar in adults having Type-2 diabetes.
- Insulin Therapy: It replaces the naturally produced insulin in the body. Type 1 diabetes patients should take insulin everyday. On the other hand, people with Type 2 diabetes are recommended insulin when all other medications and treatments don’t show the desired results.
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s): A class of drugs that can protect the heart and kidneys, lower blood sugar levels and help with weight loss.
- Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors: These oral agents can treat type 2 diabetes.
- Jet injector: It is a device that replaces needles and sprays insulin into the skin.
To Sum Up
It is necessary to educate people about the ill-effects of diabetes, its best possible treatments, and preventive measures. For individuals experiencing diabetes symptoms, awareness and early testing are essential. Detecting this lifestyle disease can significantly improve health outcomes. As World Diabetes Day is approaching, let's do our bit to make this world diabetes-free.
>> Also Read: Diabetes Management: Your Ultimate Guide
Disclaimers: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
