‘World Diabetes Day’, celebrated every year on 14 November, this time emphasizes equality in diabetes treatment and care. This year’s theme is ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’, the aim of which is to provide better and equitable treatment to diabetes patients. Know what diabetes is, its symptoms, risks and prevention methods! Do you know that you can avoid this with the right lifestyle? Read and know how.
World Diabetes Day: Every year on 14 November around the world’‘World Diabetes Day’ (WDD) is celebrated to spread awareness about this serious disease and to emphasize on measures to reduce its effects. This year’s theme is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”which means reducing the risk of diabetes and ensuring equal, quality treatment and care for all people with diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disease in which the body is not able to properly utilize the sugar (glucose) obtained from food. This happens when there is a deficiency of insulin in the body or the body is not able to use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone, which works to control sugar in the body.
types of diabetes
There are mainly three types of diabetes:
- type 1: In this type of diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin and the patient needs insulin to survive.
- type 2: In this, the body is not able to make enough insulin and/or the body cells are not able to use insulin properly, which is called insulin resistance.
- gestational diabetes: This condition occurs during pregnancy and can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.
symptoms of diabetes
Symptoms of diabetes include:
- feeling thirsty again and again
- frequent urination
- sudden weight loss
- blurred vision
- feeling tired
- numbness of hands and feet
- slow wound healing
- frequent infections
diabetes risks
Some common risk factors for diabetes are:
- overweight or obese
- 45 years or older
- someone in the family has type 2 diabetes
- lack of physical activity
- stress and mental pressure
- History of gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
How to Diagnose Diabetes?
There are three major tests to diagnose diabetes:
- fasting blood sugar test
- blood sugar test after meal
- Glycated hemoglobin (HBA1c) testwhich tells the average blood sugar level over the past 3 months.
Ways to avoid diabetes
Many types of diabetes can be prevented, especially type 2 and prediabetes. The following measures can be taken for this:
- healthy, balanced diet
- regular exercise
- curb weight
- stress management
- good sleep
- abstinence from alcohol and cigarettes
- Health checkup once a year
effects of diabetes
If diabetes is not controlled, it can cause many serious problems, such as:
- heart disease
- nerve damage
- kidney disease
- wounds on legs
- skin infection
- dental problems
- sexual problems (among men)
Diabetes patients should take timely treatment and adopt a healthy lifestyle, so that they can avoid these problems and live a normal life. world diabetes day It is very important to publicize the measures to deal with this serious disease, so that everyone can avoid it and know the right path of treatment.
