World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes mellitus world and is held on November 14 of each year. It was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to the alarming rise of diabetes around the world.
The 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 prevalence of diabetes is increasing quite rapidly and in fact, most people now feel that we should consider this as an "epidemic". It is estimated that there are over
50 million people in India affected by diabetes.
Let’s get an understanding on the basics of diabetes – types, risk factors, and prevention and management.
Types:
Type 1 diabetes - insulin-dependent, immune-mediated or juvenile-onset diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes - non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, and accounts for at least 90% of all cases of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes (GDM)is a form of diabetes consisting of high blood glucose levels during pregnancy.
Risk Factors:
- Obesity
- Diet and physical inactivity
- Increasing age
- Insulin resistance
- Family history of diabetes
- Ethnicity
- Stress
- Hypertension and high cholesterol
Warning Signs:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Increased hunger
- Unusual weight loss or gain
- Tiredness
- Lack of interest and concentration
- Vomiting and stomach pain (often mistaken as the flu)
- A tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet
- Blurred vision
- Frequent infections
- Slow-healing wounds
Prevention and Management:
- Increased physical activity
- Maintaining ideal body weight
- Healthy eating
- Monitoring and early detection of complications along with regular intake of medicines.
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