World Diabetes Day 2014
Dr Th Premchand Singh *
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The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus is raising specially in Asian countries and younger population. India has a high population of diabetes next to China only.
Globally the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is estimated to increase from 382 million individuals in 2013 to 592 millions by 2035. A further 316 million people are currently at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with the number expected to increase to almost 500 million within a generation.
What makes the pandemic particularly menacing is that throughout much of the world, it remains hidden. Up to half of all people with diabetes globally remain undiagnosed.
Diabetes is now the most common cause of heart attack, kidney failure, blindness and leg amputation.
Out of the 34.5 million deaths from noncommunicable diseases in 2010, 1.3 million are attributable to diabetes mellitus and mortality from this disease doubled.
The causes of diabetes are due to genetic and environmental factors, of which the genetic factors like diabetes in the family cannot be changed, however the environmental factors like lack of physical activity and consumption of calorie dense foods can be corrected.
Increased prevalence of obesity is closely related to increasing incidence of diabetes all over the world. Most cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented and the serious complications of diabetes can be avoided through healthy lifestyles and living environments that encourage and facilitate healthy behaviour.
Every year the World Diabetes Day is observed on the 14th of November all over the world, which is the primarily global awareness campaign. It was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and WHO in response to the alarming increase in incidence of diabetes around the world.
This day marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who along with Charles Best first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922. The campaign will continue to promote the importance of immediate action to protect the health and well-being of future generations and achieve meaningful outcomes for people with diabetes and those at risk.
The World Diabetes Day 2014 campaign marks the first of a three-year (2014-16) focus on healthy living and diabetes. This year's activities and materials will specifically address the topic of healthy eating and its importance both in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and the effective management of diabetes to avoid complications.
Diet for diabetes is no different from the normal healthy diet excepting sugar and sweets. It should contain vegetables, whole fruits, non-fat dairy products, beans, fish, poultry and lean meats and minimal amount of saturated oils. People with diabetes can eat the same foods the family enjoys. Everyone benefits from healthy diet so the whole family can take part in healthy eating.
* Dr Th Premchand Singh wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer is Vice President, North Eastern Diabetes Society, Manipur State Branch.
This article was posted on November 15, 2014.
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