World Diabetes Day was celebrated on 14th Nov, 2010, to spread awareness about this global menace, which has affected around 180 million people around the world. Every year the no. of diabetes effected persons increase by 7 million.
The date 14th Nov is selected, because it 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 logo consists of a blue circle in which blue stands for sky and circle means it effects people around the globe & we have to work together to solve this problem.
The theme for 2010 is Diabetes Education and Prevention, which lasts till 2013. Previous themes have focused on diabetic foot care (2005), disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals (2006) and diabetes in children and adolescents (2007-08).
What is Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus ( increased blood sugar levels) mostly goes un-noticed until complications have occurred. Reason! It does not cause any symptoms typically pointing to it. The most common things which the patient experience are increased appetite ( polyphagia ), increased urination ( polyuria ), & weight loss.
Complications
Diabetes typically affects the smallest blood vessels of the body first, which are located in Retina ( Eye ), Kidneys & Lower extremeties, leading to Decreased vision, Renal failure & Numbness of lower limbs. Mostly it is accompanied by High Blood Pressure, which increases the risk for Heart Attack & Stroke. It also increases the chances for infections of every part of the body.
How to Prevent / Manage Diabetes
Tips for the Non-Diabetics
Overweight/Obesity is the major risk factor leading to Diabetes. One should Control wieght through diet & exercise and keep BMI between 20-25.
A recent Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study showed that just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in chances of having diabetes.
Tips for the Diabetics
The first thing to keep in mind is that Diabetes, will not harm you if blood sugar levels are under control. Effective management consists taking your meals regularly coupled with appropriate medicine & physical activity.
Checking your Blood sugar levels regularly accompanied by Blood HbA1c test every 6 months.
Blood Pressure should also be kept in check.
Taking healthy diet which contains a blanaced amount of Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Vitamins & Minerals. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables also matter alot.
What Should I Do
Spread the word about Diabetes & help the persons suffering from it.
The date 14th Nov is selected, because it 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 logo consists of a blue circle in which blue stands for sky and circle means it effects people around the globe & we have to work together to solve this problem.
The theme for 2010 is Diabetes Education and Prevention, which lasts till 2013. Previous themes have focused on diabetic foot care (2005), disadvantaged and vulnerable individuals (2006) and diabetes in children and adolescents (2007-08).
What is Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus ( increased blood sugar levels) mostly goes un-noticed until complications have occurred. Reason! It does not cause any symptoms typically pointing to it. The most common things which the patient experience are increased appetite ( polyphagia ), increased urination ( polyuria ), & weight loss.
Complications
Diabetes typically affects the smallest blood vessels of the body first, which are located in Retina ( Eye ), Kidneys & Lower extremeties, leading to Decreased vision, Renal failure & Numbness of lower limbs. Mostly it is accompanied by High Blood Pressure, which increases the risk for Heart Attack & Stroke. It also increases the chances for infections of every part of the body.
How to Prevent / Manage Diabetes
Tips for the Non-Diabetics
Overweight/Obesity is the major risk factor leading to Diabetes. One should Control wieght through diet & exercise and keep BMI between 20-25.
A recent Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study showed that just 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity, coupled with a 5-10% reduction in body weight, produced a 58% reduction in chances of having diabetes.
Tips for the Diabetics
The first thing to keep in mind is that Diabetes, will not harm you if blood sugar levels are under control. Effective management consists taking your meals regularly coupled with appropriate medicine & physical activity.
Checking your Blood sugar levels regularly accompanied by Blood HbA1c test every 6 months.
Blood Pressure should also be kept in check.
Taking healthy diet which contains a blanaced amount of Carbohydrates, Fats, Proteins, Vitamins & Minerals. Fresh Fruits & Vegetables also matter alot.
What Should I Do
Spread the word about Diabetes & help the persons suffering from it.
