World Diabetes Day 2024 is an important day for raising awareness about diabetes, a disease affecting over 77 million people in India alone, making it the country with the second-highest number of cases worldwide. This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, focuses on educating people about diabetes prevention and control and promoting health through diet, exercise, and regular check-ups.
This year’s message and colour for World Diabetes Day 2024 aim to bring people together to show support and spread information about diabetes care. Blue is the chosen colour, symbolising unity against diabetes. On this day, you may see people wearing blue, buildings lit up in blue, and campaigns with blue circles, the global symbol for diabetes awareness.
Preventing and managing diabetes is essential for leading a healthy life, and it’s simpler than you may think. With the right diabetes prevention and management tips, such as a balanced diet, staying active, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, you can take big steps toward better health. World Diabetes Day reminds us all that through small lifestyle changes; we can make a huge impact on our health and that of those around us. Let’s learn more about this day here in this article!
Table Of Contents
- Why Is 14 November Celebrated As World Diabetes Day?
- Theme, Message And Colour for World Diabetes Day 2024
- 8 Key Strategies For Diabetes Prevention And Management
- Expert’s Advice
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Why Is 14 November Celebrated As World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually on November 14 and aims to highlight the importance of diabetes awareness and education. It was founded by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO). The day focuses on raising awareness of diabetes, its symptoms, prevention strategies and the impact it has on individuals and communities.
World Diabetes Day dates back to the early 1990s when the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recognised the urgent need to address the growing diabetes crisis. In 1991, the IDF and the World Health Organization (WHO) established the day to raise public awareness and education about diabetes. The date of November 14 was chosen to honour Dr. Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922.
In 2006, the United Nations officially recognised World Diabetes Day, highlighting its global importance. The blue circle was adopted as the symbol of the day, representing unity in the global fight against diabetes. Therefore, World Diabetes Day is established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation with the support of the WHO in response to growing concerns about the health and economic threats posed by diabetes, and became an official UN day in 2006.
Diabetes is a serious health problem that affects more than millions of people worldwide. As rates rise, spreading awareness and encouraging individuals to take control of their health is key.
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Theme, Message And Colour for World Diabetes Day 2024
World Diabetes Day 2024 theme is "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps". This year's theme underlines our commitment to lowering the risk of diabetes and making certain that everyone diagnosed with diabetes has access to fair, comprehensive, affordable and quality treatment and care. The theme also highlights the impact of diabetes on people's physical and mental health. It also highlights the importance of effective diabetes management and how it can improve people's quality of life.
The theme also aims to educate and appeal to people to encourage them to urge their public health institutions and other global institutions to facilitate better opportunities, infrastructure, manpower and financial support to improve diabetes education to achieve the efforts of WHO and other organisations to achieve the goal of diabetes coverage by 2030, which includes:
- Diagnosis in 80% of people affected by diabetes.
- 80% of people diagnosed should have better control of their blood sugar and blood pressure.
- 60% of people (40 years and over) must have access to a statin (a group of drugs that help lower blood cholesterol)
- 100% of people with type 1 diabetes should have easy access to insulin and the right equipment to self-monitor their blood glucose levels.
World Diabetes Day Color
On World Diabetes Day, the colour blue takes centre stage! This vibrant hue is not just a pretty sight; it has a powerful meaning. The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes awareness, representing unity in the fight against this disease. It reflects the colour of the sky and the flag of the United Nations, reminding us that we are all in this together.
When you see people wearing blue or buildings lit up in this colour on November 14, it’s a call to action! Wearing blue shows support for those living with diabetes and helps spread important information about prevention and management. So, why not join in? Wearing blue is an easy way to show you care and raise awareness about diabetes.
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8 Key Strategies For Diabetes Prevention And Management
On this World Diabetes Day 2024, in order to prevent and manage diabetes well, you can add the following tips to your routine:
1. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Keep your weight in the ideal range by following a healthy diet and regular physical activity; quit smoking and find healthy ways to deal with stress – these may all help delay or prevent the progression of diabetes or lessen the body's impact of diabetes. Making good lifestyle choices also reduces the chances of other health problems.
Also Read: Implement 7 Health And Fitness Tips For Weight Loss Results!
2. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels Routinely
The core of good diabetic management is the regular monitoring of blood sugar since it provides windows for early intervention in controlling the condition.
Since you are able to monitor your own blood sugar, you can be more in control of diet, exercise, and medications aimed at trying to keep your levels within a target range. Another thing is that you can understand the blood sugar charts by age and gender to help you set the appropriate objectives and follow up on how you are progressing.
Actually, there are many ways to measure blood sugar, and one of the devices that is commonly used is a glucometer. It's important to measure your blood sugar accurately and consistently to get reliable data to help you manage your diabetes
3. Be Apt With Your Numbers
Through home monitoring and regular visits to your healthcare team, you can track your blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol and adjusted body weight. These important health metrics give you information about how well your diabetes treatment plan is managing your condition and safeguarding your general well-being.
4. Maintain A Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight plays a key role in diabetes prevention, and understanding your body mass index (BMI) can be a valuable tool. BMI is a numerical representation of your body fat based on your weight and height. An increased risk of type 2 diabetes is linked to a higher body mass index (BMI).
However, it's important to consider BMI vs. body fat percentage when evaluating your health. While BMI gives a rough estimate, body fat percentage provides a clearer picture of your actual body composition. By understanding the link between BMI and diabetes, along with determining your ideal body weight, you can proactively work towards a healthier future.
5. Make Physical Activity A Daily Deal
Regular physical activity has many benefits. Exercise can help you:
- Lose weight
- Lower your blood sugar
- Increase your insulin sensitivity – which helps keep your blood sugar in a normal range.
Goals for most adults to promote weight loss and maintain a healthy weight include:
- Aerobic exercise - Perform moderate-to-vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity such as brisk walking, swimming, plyometric exercises that lasts at least 30 minutes most days of the week, which equates to a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity per week.
- Resistance exercise - Perform this activity at least two or three times a week; doing so will build strength, balance, and endurance so that one may lead an active life. Resistance training involves weight lifting, yoga, and callisthenics.
- Limited inactivity - The effects of lack of exercises on the body can contribute to insulin resistance. Interrupting long bouts of inactivity, such as sitting at a computer, can help control blood sugar. Get up, walk, or do some light activity every 30 minutes for a few minutes.
6. Eat Healthy Plant-Based Foods
Plants are another vital source of vitamins and minerals besides carbohydrates for your diet. The energy sources for your body are those carbohydrates known as sugars and starches. The other component is called fibre. Actually, what people refer to as dietary fibre is also popularly known as bulk or bulking agents. These are portions of plant-based foods that your body cannot digest or absorb. Foods rich in fibre ensure excellent weight loss and prevent some forms of diabetes. Make sure you eat a wide range of healthy, fibre-rich foods such as:
- Fruits like tomatoes, peppers and fruit from trees
- Non-starchy veggies, including cauliflower, broccoli, and leafy greens
- Beans, chickpeas, and lentils are examples of legumes.
- Whole grains, including quinoa, whole-wheat rice, whole oats, and whole-wheat bread and pasta
Also Read: Top 10 Foods High in Carbohydrates That Are Straight-Up Healthy and Totally Worth It!
7. Don’t Skip On Healthy Fats
Yes, the infamous skip the fat and everything is solved situation. Not at all! Fats are as important to your body as any other macronutrient if not more! While fatty foods can be calorically dense, enjoying them in balanced portions is good for preventing diabetes.
For this, focus on healthy fats or foods that contain unsaturated fats as these support healthy blood cholesterol levels and good heart and blood vessel health.
You can also include supplements rich in fatty acids, such as ToneOp Care’s Fish Oil Capsules and Krill Oil Capsules.
8. Work With Your Healthcare Team
Diabetes can affect your vision, feet, legs, and heart, and may require special medications and a special diet. Thus, your health care team may include a number of doctors with different specialties. Your team can guide you through your diabetes treatment plan and help minimise its effects on your body.
Expert’s Advice
Diabetes is a complex and widespread condition that requires knowledge, management and proactive measures to maintain a full life. Prevention strategies, including dietary choices, healthy lifestyle, exercise and weight management, play a key role in reducing the risk of developing diabetes. If you also have symptoms of diabetes, consult immediately.
Health Expert
Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is a major health event held annually on November 14 to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of diabetes and inform people about diabetes prevention tips. One of the central messages of World Diabetes Day is the importance of early detection and regular testing.
Regular testing and early diagnosis are essential to prevent complications and effectively treat diabetes. So, let’s join hands together and celebrate this day by spreading the message and making people aware of prevention and management strategies.
FAQs
1. What is World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 and aims to raise awareness of the importance of diabetes awareness and education. It was founded by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. What is the significance of World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is important because it can really help raise awareness of the seriousness of this disease and the importance of early intervention.
3. Suggest a few World Diabetes Day activities.
World Diabetes Day activities include wearing blue to show support, organising awareness events, sharing information about diabetes, and getting tested for early detection.
4. When is National Diabetes Day in India observed?
National Diabetes Day in India is observed on November 14th, the same day as World Diabetes Day.
References
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/diabetes/prevention--treatment-of-diabetes
- https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day/2024#:~:text=This%20year%27s%20theme%2C%20%E2%80%9CBreaking%20Barriers,and%20quality%20treatment%20and%20care.
- https://adityabirlahospital.com/blogs/world-diabetes-day-on-14-november
- https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day#:~:text=14%20November%20is%20World%20Diabetes,official%20UN%20day%20in%202006.
- https://www.pacehospital.com/world-diabetes-day#:~:text=History%20of%20World%20Diabetes%20Day%20(WDD)&text=The%20day%2014%20November%20was,with%20Charles%20Best%20in%201922.
- https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/diabetes/diabetes-in-hindi-what-is-diabetes-symptoms-causes-prevention-and-treatment/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-prevention/art-20047639
- https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-diabetes-day-2024/
- https://www.hippoandfriends.com/en/news/world-diabetes-day-2024-color-your-school-blue#:~:text=World%20Diabetes%20Day%20(WDD)%2C,Diabetes%20and%20Well%2Dbeing%27.
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