Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day (WDD) is a significant healthcare event that raises awareness of the alarming prevalence of diabetes, its effects, and diabetes prevention strategies. One of the biggest diabetes awareness campaigns, World Diabetes Day is observed annually in more than 160 countries and affects the lives of over 100 crore people through awareness campaigns, advocacy for improved access to treatment, and high-quality educational materials. Diabetes is a disorder in which the body fails to process and utilize the glucose that is produced from the food we consume. Diabetes mellitus primarily comes in three forms: gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes. The body’s primary energy source is glucose.

Ineffective glucose absorption can interfere with daily activities, and if diabetes is left untreated, it can cause deadly consequences such as heart difficulties, nerve and kidney damage, foot damage, skin infections, erectile dysfunction, depression, dental troubles, and more. Dr. Virendra Singh, a renowned pulmonologist, offers valuable insights on World Diabetes Day 2024, emphasizing the critical link between diabetes and lung health. He has years of experience and has personally seen the difficulties that diabetic people encounter, including the elevated risk of respiratory problems.

He emphasizes the value of routine health screenings, blood sugar control, and leading a healthy lifestyle in his advice for this year’s observance in order to lower the risk of lung problems in people with diabetes. His message for World Diabetes Day 2024 centers on empowering people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives in spite of the challenges posed by diabetes through education and proactive care.

The Theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024–2026 is “Diabetes and well-being“. The theme is to enhance the lives of individuals with diabetes and place well-being at the core of diabetes care.

History of World Diabetes Day 

The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) collaborated to establish World Diabetes Day (WDD) in 1991. In 2006, UN Resolution 61/225 made WDD an official United Nations Day. The day 14 November was chosen to celebrate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of Insulin along with Charles Best in 1992. World Diabetes Day campaigns are identified by the “Blue Circle Logo,” which was created in 2007 shortly after the United Nations formally recognized the day. Since then, the Blue Circle has come to represent the global alliance of diabetes communities in the fight against the rising number of diabetes cases and is regarded as the global symbol of diabetes awareness.

Importance of World Diabetes Day 

The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) reports that diabetes killed 67 lakh individuals in 2021 and that 53.7 crore (1 in 10) persons had the condition that year. There are signs that this number will increase to 64.3 crore in 2030 and 78.3 crore by 2045. It is believed that 1 in 2 adults (44%), or around 24 crore people, have diabetes but have not been diagnosed. Type 2 diabetes, which is preventable with a few lifestyle modifications and good eating habits, affects the majority of these individuals. It is expected that around 54.1 crore adults are at risk of getting type 2 diabetes as a result of inadequate information and advice to recognize the signs and symptoms, obtain an early diagnosis, and begin preventative actions.

It is predicted that 10.2 lakh teenagers aged 0-19 years have Type 2 diabetes as a result of the sedentary lifestyle that is popular nowadays. Additionally, hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, affects 1 in 6 live births (2.1 crore). The management of diabetes accounted for 9% of all global health spending in 2021. World Diabetes Day serves as a global platform for the advocacy and prevention of this silent killer disease in an effort to combat the increasing incidence and reduce the rising risk of developing diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, in adults and adolescents.

Preventive Measures to Manage Diabetes 

The International Diabetes Foundation estimates that 54.1 crore adults are at risk of type 2 diabetes. This has made it a global priority to reduce the risk by supporting awareness campaigns and high-quality diabetes education platforms that teach people how to manage and prevent diabetes in its early stages. Appropriate lifestyle choices and dietary control (diets with a Glycemic Index of 50 or lower) can help avoid and manage type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which insulin is not created and used effectively enough (also known as insulin resistance). It can be regained by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, self-monitoring and monitoring blood sugar levels, and seeing a doctor on a regular basis. Some of the preventing tips to control diabetes are: 

  • Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
  • Practice eating a tiny amount of food at a time.
  • Include food and fibers that are low in the Glycemic Index.
  • Make it a habit to work out for at least half an hour every day. 
  • Monitor your blood cholesterol level; it should be less than 200. Triglycerides below 150, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) over 20, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) below 100.
  • Quit smoking which promotes insulin resistance.
  • Maintain appropriate blood pressure control; it should be 130/80 or less.
  • Make it a habit to drink regular water instead of aerated drinks and other sugar-filled beverages, which can increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
  • Get updated with diabetes control preventive tips.
  • Encourage and support the diabetes awareness campaign to raise awareness among those in want.
FAQs

What is World Diabetes Day?

Every year on November 14, the globe observes globe Diabetes Day as a way to increase awareness of diabetes, its management, prevention, and the impact it has on millions of people throughout the world. In 1991, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) introduced it.

What is the theme for World Diabetes Day 2024?

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024–2026 is “Diabetes and well-being“. The theme is to enhance the lives of individuals with diabetes and place well-being at the core of diabetes care.

Why is World Diabetes Day important?

World Diabetes Day is significant because it raises public awareness of the growing threat that diabetes poses to health. It motivates governments, medical institutions, and people to take action to support early detection, improved care, and the avoidance of complications from diabetes.

Can diabetes be prevented?

Yes, lifestyle modifications including eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, controlling stress, and keeping a healthy weight can frequently avoid or postpone type 2 diabetes. Preventive measures also include routine health checkups and early diagnosis.

What are the common symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes frequently manifests as excessive thirst, hazy vision, blurred vision, poor wound healing, unexplained weight loss, and frequent urination. It’s crucial to get screened by a healthcare professional if you encounter any of these signs.