World Diabetes Day (November 14)
Tabinda Salman
World diabetes day is celebrated annually on November 14. There are about 422 million people with Type 1 diabetes. In 1980 the number of people with diabetes was108 million, and it increased to 422 million in 2014. Diabetic patients are increasing day by day, especially in low to middle-income countries. This day has taken on more international importance in recent years. Different activities, campaigns, screenings, lectures, meetings, and fundraising events are arranged by various diabetic organizations on this day to spread awareness, initiatives, and many encourage people with diabetes to share their experiences with this condition with the general public. Therefore, World Diabetes Day is an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and treatment.
History
The idea of celebrating World Diabetes Day was established by the Belgium-based International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in the 1990s and early 2000s. This day is introduced to pay attention to this worldwide epidemic. World diabetes day is celebrated on 14th because of the birthday of insulin co-discoverer Dr. Frederick Banting and his main insulin co-discoverer, Dr. Charles Best. A blue circle logo represents world diabetes day on a white background. The blue circle represents the color of the sky, and the circle represents unity. The Blue Circle is known as the “Unite for Diabetes.” This blue circle symbol was introduced in 2007 and is now considered the global symbol for diabetes awareness.
Theme
The International diabetes federation chooses a theme for World Diabetes Day annually. The theme for 2021 is “Access to Diabetes Care: If Not Now, When?” This theme means to make insulin accessible to people with diabetes. World Diabetes Day is an event that helps people to understand diabetes in a detailed manner. This day brings health professionals, diabetes advocates, the general public, media, and government organizations together to raise awareness about diabetes.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease. It takes place when the body is unable to use blood sugar (glucose) properly. Enzyme insulin is the main thing that helps to transport blood glucose to cells and convert it into energy. A diabetic person is less or has no insulin in the body.
Types of diabetes
There are two types of diabetes:
· Type 1 diabetes:
In this condition, the body loses its ability to produce insulin because its immune system decided to kill the beta cells that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disorder and usually occurs in young children.
· Type 2 diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease. It affects millions of people worldwide. In this type of diabetes, the body makes insulin continuously but not in an insufficient amount. It results in an increased level of blood glucose and usually occurs among older individuals. Severe cases may lead to blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and other severe conditions. Moreover, chronic uncontrolled sugar levels can have serious consequences such as Heart disease, Kidney dysfunction, Cardiovascular diseases.
Symptoms of diabetes
The symptoms that indicate that the person is suffering from diabetes or worsening of disorder include:
1. Polydipsia (increased thirst) and polyuria (increased urination), with increased instances of night-time urination
2. Weight fluctuations due to enhanced insulin resistance/reduced sensitivity
3. Burning sensation on soles and palms, tingling sensation or numbness in hands and feet as nerves due to weakening of nerves by high blood sugar levels (diabetic neuropathy)
4. Blurred vision, eye floaters, seeing spots in vision, sensitivity to sunlight/bright lights as blood vessels in eyes get affected
5. Frequent skin infection, ulcers especially on feet, which might result in amputation due to irreversible tissue damage
6. High blood pressure, Cholesterol levels, leading to heart problems and obesity
7. Kidney problems such as the onset of chronic kidney disease(CKD), symptoms are a bit delayed and include blood in urine, frothy/dark-colored urine, pain near kidneys
8. Increased incidence of Urinary tract infection (UTI’S)
9. Dental issues such as increased incidence of tooth cavities, pyorrhea.
Causes of diabetes
Diabetes doesn’t have an exact known cause. It is assumed that environmental and genetic factors play an important part. Eating a balanced diet is very important for diabetic people. A poor lifestyle which includes a sedentary lifestyle, stress, lack of regular exercise, is the cause of diabetes.
Prevention from diabetes
Here are ways to avoid getting diabetes:
· Avoid using Sugar and Refined Carbs from Your Diet
You should avoid sugary foods and refined carbs from your diet. This is because the body breaks food into small sugar molecules, which are absorbed into the bloodstream and diabetes.
· Work Out Regularly
Always be active and regularly do exercises and to help prevent diabetes. Exercise increases the insulin sensitivity of your cells. So when you exercise, less insulin is required to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
· Drink Water as Your Primary Beverage
Water is the natural and pure liquid you can drink. Avoid using beverages with high amounts of sugar and preservatives such as soda and punch, which are linked to an increased risk of both type 2 diabetes.
· Lose Weight If You’re Overweight or Obese
Try to be fit and control your weight. Being overweight is the leading cause of having many serious health issues.
Treatment
Insulin was discovered 100 years ago. Insulin is used to help and manage the condition of diabetic patients. It may also help to avoid complications. Even a century later, millions of people with diabetes globally do not have access to the care they essentially require. Besides insulin, different medicines are also used to control diabetes. Diabetes can be treated by taking a properly balanced diet, regular exercise, medication, and regular checkups and treatment.
On behalf of NAYS-Pakistan, we want to convey the message on world diabetes day that this is the most extensive diabetes awareness campaign globally. We all should work hard to minimize the burden of diabetes globally. It reaches a large audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. Therefore, we should pay attention to concerns of utmost importance to the diabetes world and keep diabetes strongly in the public and political highlights.
Article: Ms. Sundeela Fayyaz
Best Regards,
Chief coordinator
National Academy of Young Scientists (NAYS) Pakistan,