Nigeria joined the globe today to mark world Diabetes day. This year’s World Diabetes highlights the need for equitable access to essential care, including raising awareness of ways people with diabetes can minimize their risk of complications.
It is with the theme “Access to Diabetes Care”.
World Diabetes day held every November 14th was Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation with support from WHO in response to growing concerns about the health and economic threat posed by diabetes.
According to World Health Organisation, WHO, About 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, the majority living in low-and middle-income countries, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes each year.
World Diabetes Day was established by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991. After the establishment, it was declared a global day in 2006 after the United Nations passed a resolution.
November 14, the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922, was chosen as World Diabetes Day.
The day marks the significance of reaching the maximum number of people globally to promote a platform to cure diabetes and its treatment. A blue circle logo was initiated by the UN, in 2007, as a global symbol to create awareness regarding the condition and the community associated with it.
However, Diabetes occurs when the body faces challenges in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. This can happen due to either insufficient production of insulin (a hormone that helps cells absorb glucose) or due to the body’s ineffective use of insulin. Genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences can contribute to the development of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is often linked to genetic predisposition, while Type 2 diabetes is influenced by factors, such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor diet. Other forms of diabetes may result from specific health conditions or medications.
Interacting with National Watch, a resident Doctor, Department of Internal Medicine Federal Medical Center Umuahia, Dr Ndubuisi Kester said the essence of the day is to educate people with diabetes on ways to minimise complications as it is a major cause of death. He adviced people especially those with risk factors to adopt a healthy life style.
Dr Kester listed the symptoms of type 2 diabetes to include Increased thirst,
frequent urination, increased hunger, Unintended weight loss,Fatigue,Blurred vision among other things.
The medical expert while stating that Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke and lower limb amputation noted that Healthy diet, physical activity and avoiding tobacco use can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. He therefore noted that all hands must be on deck to reduce complications that come with Diabetes.
*Precautions of Diabetes*
One definitely cannot prevent the autoimmune and genetic forms of diabetes. However, there are some steps that can be taken to lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Here are a few precautionary measures to avoid the disease:
Taking a healthy diet
Get physically active
Manage your stress
Limit alcohol intake
Get adequate sleep
Quit smoking
Take medications as directed by a physician to manage existing risk factors for heart disease.
It is good to note that Diabetes is a silent killer but it can be treated and its complications avoided or delayed with regular screening and treatment and it is advisable to go to professionals.
