World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, 2023, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about diabetes and strategize collective and individual efforts for its prevention, diagnosis, and management.
The Importance of “Access to Diabetes Care”
In 2023, the World Diabetes Day theme revolves around “Access to diabetes care.” This underscores the significance of providing equal access to crucial information and essential care, ensuring timely treatment and effective management for individuals affected by diabetes.
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes, a metabolic disease leading to elevated blood sugar levels, is a major contributor to blindness, amputation, heart disease, and kidney disease. Shockingly, it stands as one of the leading global causes of premature deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 1.6 million diabetes-related deaths in 2016, with an estimated 629 million adults projected to have diabetes by 2045.
Preventing Type 2 Diabetes
While Type 2 diabetes is preventable for many, it remains a growing concern for global healthcare. Awareness, education, and proactive measures, including lifestyle changes, play a pivotal role. In the United States, 90% of diabetes cases can be avoided by eliminating sugar, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and other healthy choices.
Lifestyle Choices for Prevention
- Eliminate sugar and refined carbs
- Regular exercise and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
- Prioritize water as the primary beverage
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Consume a high-fiber diet
- Optimize Vitamin D levels
- Consider natural herbs like curcumin and berberine for increased insulin sensitivity
Managing Type 1 Diabetes
While Type 1 diabetes may not be preventable, effective management through insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight maintenance is crucial. Education plays a key role in understanding and managing symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.
How to Observe World Diabetes Day
To actively participate and raise awareness on World Diabetes Day:
- Learn about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes at www.worlddiabetes.org.
- Understand how to get screened for diabetes.
- Initiate conversations with family and loved ones about diabetes prevention.
- Encourage healthy choices within your community.
- Show support by wearing blue for diabetes awareness.
- Utilize #WorldDiabetesDay when sharing on social media.
World Diabetes Day History
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF), founded in 1950, collaborated with the WHO to establish World Diabetes Day in 1991. Initially created to address the rising threat of diabetes, it became an official United Nations Day in 2006. Commemorating the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin, World Diabetes Day is now observed in 170 countries and territories.
Recent Themes
- 2023: Access to Diabetes Care
- 2018-2019: Families and Diabetes
- 2017: Women and Diabetes
- 2016: Eyes on Diabetes
- 2015: Healthy Eating
- 2014: Go Blue for Breakfast
World Diabetes Day 2023: Quotes & Messages
Let these quotes inspire and motivate:
- “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” – Jim Ryun, Olympic track star
- “Don’t own sickness and disease; it doesn’t belong to you!” – Stella Payton
- “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt
- “Let food be your medicine, and medicine your food.” – Hippocrates
- “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” – Christopher Reeve
- “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” – Albert Einstein
This World Diabetes Day, let’s unite in promoting awareness, education, and proactive steps to ensure access to diabetes care for all.