The term ‘diabetes mellitus’ first came about many hundreds of years ago as doctors would first notice the patient urinating very often (diabetes means to pass through). Fast forward a few centuries and in the 1600s, an English doctor added the term ‘mellitus’ which means sweet urine Though this test would sound downright disgusting to us in the present day, tasting urine was one of the ways to diagnose the condition. With all the research and information we have at our disposal now, it is known that diabetes is caused when our body does not make enough insulin or when the insulin made is not being utilized properly. This is also how the condition itself is classified into two different types- Type 1 and Type 2 respectively. Gestational diabetes can develop only during pregnancy due to hormonal surges. There are other kinds too.
The Significance Of Celebrating World Diabetes Day
We have all been exposed to information like India is going to be the next diabetes capital of the world or that India has the second-highest number of diabetes sufferers in the world. Though this news should rightly jolt you, it is not all fear-mongering but more like urging you to take care of your health. The concept of us developing diabetes was thought to be very foreign and the possibility even more remote. This is because we wrongly assume that eating lots of sweets can cause diabetes. World Diabetes Day was established for this express need- to dispel common myths and make the common public more aware of the condition itself. Awareness is very low in India as many studies indicate that only half of the affected people are diagnosed while the rest go about their lives, slightly puzzled with their condition and trying dubious ways to manage it. Prevention and management of diabetes is hence a necessity and not an option for us all.
The Theme For 2024
World Diabetes Day is one of the most well-known healthcare awareness days in the world and November is also called World Diabetes Awareness Month every year. The International Diabetes Federation decided to celebrate this day on Nov 14 every year to commemorate the anniversary of the discovery of insulin (the main hormone needed to digest glucose) by Sir Frederick Banting in 1922, from 1991. The UN passed an official resolution in 2006 to make this a UN day. Most of the individuals affected by diabetes live in underdeveloped countries. In India, the number of cases is way higher in cities when compared to rural areas. The theme for this year is ‘Diabetes and Well-Being’ which will also be a main focus till 2026 and not for just this year.
Conclusion- Treatment is available for diabetes, obviously but medication alone is not the only way to manage the condition. Some diabetes control tips include- making long-term changes to your daily routine, eating well, and exercising at least 3 times a week or even more, which can greatly help reduce your chances of getting type 2 diabetes. Some types like Type 1 are auto-immune and hence caused by faulty genes and can develop from early childhood too. Whatever the type, taking care of your body needs to be a major priority. This year the well-being of the affected individual is coming into focus. Living with diabetes does not need to be hard or an impossible objective.
FAQs
1) What is diabetes?
It is a long-term condition that can slowly creep on you. You will notice changes to your routine- always feeling thirsty and peeing very often. This is because there is too much glucose in your body for it to handle effectively. This can ultimately lead to kidney failure and circulatory disorders too in the long run.
2) What are the risk factors associated with developing diabetes?
Your age, weight, having a family history, and a poor diet- all influence the possibility of you developing diabetes in the future.
3) What are some preventive measures that work?
You can try to eat well and control portion size at first. You can also aim to get some physical activity every day. Watching your body weight is a great spot to start at.
4) What medical complications can unmanaged diabetes lead to?
If symptoms are not addressed soon, you are setting yourself up for complications like loss of vision, kidney issues and damage, heart disease, stroke, and neuropathy, among other conditions.
5) Is treatment effective for diabetes?
Yes, medication in the form of insulin injections or other drugs are helpful but you will also need to eat properly and exercise regularly for them to work like they are intended.