The World Diabetes Day is traditionally marked on November 14. This initiative is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and it focuses on both diabetes awareness and advocacy.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, today there are 382 million people who are living with diabetes. In MENA alone, their number is estimated at 35 million. However, barely half them have been diagnosed. Moreover, the federation predicts that by 2035, the number of people suffering from the disease will jump by 55% and reach 592 million. That would increase the number of diabetes patients in MENA from today’s 34.6 million to 67.9 million.
The International Diabetes Federation ranks the United Arab Emirates among the top five MENA countries for prevalence of diabetes. In addition, it is predicted that over the next decade and a half, diabetes cases in the country could increase by almost four times.
So is diabetes preventable? Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes is can’t be prevented, for now. However, scientists are confidents that with a few lifestyle changes people can effectively reduce or even eliminate the risks of developing type 2 diabetes.
Lose weight – Abdominal obesity is often connected to diabetes. That is why people who are overweight or obese are often more likely to develop diabetes. Therefore, it is important for you to maintain a healthy body weight.
Get more physically active – Staying active has many benefits. As a start, it will help you lose any excess weight. Also, it will reduce your blood pressure and positively affect your overall well-being. According to IDF, 39 minutes of exercise a day can reduce the risks of developing type 2 diabetes by 40%.
Eat healthy – Following a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet is another important step when it comes to diabetes prevention. A healthy breakfast, that includes things like wholegrain break, eggs, fish, nuts, fruit or vegetables help preventing the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Quit smoking – Smoking generally has a negative effect on people’s health and it increases risks for all kinds of chronic diseases. Diabetes is one of them. That is why, quitting smoking is often more important in diabetes prevention even that a healthy diet.
Enjoy a goodnight sleep – Avoid being sleep deprived. However, long sleep is also a bad idea. Sleeping less than 6 hours a day or more than 9 hours a day is considered to increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Keep calm – Being overstressed and depressed can also unlock diabetes. Therefore, find ways in which to let the steam off and relax.
If you too want to mark the World Diabetes Day, try following any of these steps.
