World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14, serving as a global call to spread awareness about diabetes and urge people to take prompt action to prevent and better manage it.
Since diabetes is so common, it’s often not considered that serious, and people don’t realise its global weight. But here’s the reality check: The International Diabetes Federation estimates that by 2050, 1 in every 8 adults (853 million) will have diabetes. If poorly managed, it can lead to other life-threatening conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
That’s why World Diabetes Day isn’t just another date on the calendar. It’s a reminder to raise awareness of this “silent epidemic” called diabetes to save millions of lives.
Scroll down to learn more about the world diabetes day significance, the subtle signs of diabetes, and ways to manage it.
What Is World Diabetes Day?
Around 1991, the number of diabetes cases was growing rapidly. That’s when the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) decided that it was high time to take action and established World Diabetes Day. It was later officially recognised by the United Nations in 2006.
The day also honors the birthday of the scientific genius Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin, a life-saving hormone that millions use every day to manage their sugar levels.
The symbol of World Diabetes Day is the blue circle. It represents unity, health, and hope. The campaigns focus on:
- Educating folks to recognise symptoms and take early action.
- Preventing it through introducing small lifestyle tweaks.
- Offering support to those managing diabetes daily.
- Making policies and advocating for affordable care and insulin access.
Now that you know why and when is world diabetes day celebrated, it’s time to brush up on your knowledge about diabetes itself.
What Exactly is Diabetes?
Put simply, diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects your body’s ability to manage blood sugar (glucose) levels. This happens when your beta cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, and stop accepting glucose for energy production. As a result, sugar accumulates in your bloodstream.
The two types of diabetes based on the root cause are:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This is an autoimmune condition, often present from an early age when you’re a child, where the body attacks insulin-producing cells.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is more common and usually linked to lifestyle factors like poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and excess weight.
There’s one more type called gestational diabetes. This is only temporary and occurs during pregnancy, usually going away after childbirth. However, its presence can increase future risk.
Early Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
The problem with this sneaky disorder is that its initial symptoms are not too obvious and may overlap with other health issues. Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- Feeling too thirsty even after drinking enough water
- Hungry even after meals
- Urge to urinate too frequently
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Blurry vision
- Wounds and cuts are taking unusually longer to heal
- Fatigue that doesn’t go away
You may miss noticing these symptoms at first, as they may seem harmless. But you need to be very cautious if you can relate to the factors discussed in the following section.
You’re More at Risk If…
Anyone having a poor diet and an inactive lifestyle for a long time can get diabetes, but certain factors that can make you more prone to it are:
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being overweight with minimal physical activity
- Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
- Overindulging in refined sugars and processed foods
- Being chronically stressed or working under high-stress situations
Read More: Silent Signs of Diabetes in Women – Spot Them Early, Stay Healthy
What You Can Do (Even If You Don’t Have Diabetes)
The whole purpose of this day is to encourage you to take charge of your health, whether you have diabetes or not, and not just on November 14, but all year long. Here’s what everyone can do:
- Get Tested: If you are over 30, it’s best to get yearly checkups, especially if you’re overweight or have a family history.
- Make a Physical Fitness Routine: Moving regularly can do a great deal for improving your insulin levels and help metabolise sugar. Even a brisk 30-minute walk can make a significant difference.
- Balance Your Diet: Consume a diet rich in fibrous foods, lean proteins, and complex carbs. Cut down on refined sugar and processed snacks as much as possible.
- Manage Your Stress Levels: Chronic stress messes with blood sugar levels. To combat that, try therapeutic exercises like yoga, meditation, or even music to help calm your system. For
- Spread Awareness: Talk about it and encourage friends and family to get checked. Sometimes, one conversation can make all the difference.
To Sum Up
On this World Diabetes Awareness Day, don’t just think of it as another health observance, because that is just not why world diabetes day is celebrated. It is time to think of it as a wake-up call to check your sugar levels, to be kinder to your body, and to make that small change today, and help others achieve the same.
