Today is world diabetes day! Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, the goal of this day is to raise awareness and shed a light on such an important issue, affecting the lives of millions of people.
It is estimated that in 2019, around 3.9 people were diagnosed with diabetes in the UK alone. Now, the number has reached 4.7million. The most alarming factor of this statistic is that there are still a lot of people living with the disease who are undiagnosed and have no idea how to care for themselves.
What does being diagnosed with diabetes mean?
It means that your pancreas is not producing enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is very important as it is the hormone that regulates sugar in your blood. There are different types of diabetes, but the most common type is type 2, and it is usually caused by excess body weight or physical inactivity.
Although this disease can be hereditary, it is important to do your part at preventing the disease by;
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Being physically active by working out at least 30 minutes every day
- Eating a healthy diet by avoiding sugars and saturated fats
- Avoiding tobacco use
Early diagnosis is always better, and it only requires a blood sugar test. If your parents or family members suffered from diabetes, it is highly recommended that you test yourself. Either way, it’s always better to know at an earlier stage when it can be controlled and treated effectively.
It is not easy to live with diabetes, since is an uncurable condition, but many people who are affected by it live a long healthy and happy life. If you or someone you know has diabetes make sure you celebrate your or their journey in managing a life with diabetes.
