Diabetes awareness
RECENTLY the World Health Organization (WHO) marked its annual World Health Day where a call was made for global action to halt the rise in and improve care for people with diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic, progressive non-communicable disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar). It occurs either when the pancreas do not produce enough of the insulin hormone which regulates blood sugar, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces.
In its first global report on diabetes launched on April 7 – World Health Day – the WHO said the number of people living with diabetes had quadrupled since 1980, moving from 108 million to 422 million adults, with most living in developing countries.
Some of the major factors include being overweight, and obesity.
The complications of diabetes can lead to heart attacks, strokes, blindness, kidney failure and lower limb amputation. But health- promoting environments reduce risk factors. These include reducing physical inactivity and unhealthy diets, as well as strengthening national capacities to help people with diabetes receive the treatment and care they need to manage their conditions.
The number of Caribbean nationals living with diabetes has tripled since 1980, and one in 12 inhabitants live with diabetes in the Americas.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) said diabetes is currently the fourth-leading cause of death in the hemisphere, following heart attacks, strokes and dementia.
If current trends continue, experts estimate that nearly 110 million people in the region will have diabetes by 2040.
So remember to play your part by adopting a healthy lifestyle in order to combat developing diabetes or worsening your condition if you already have it.
