World Diabetes Day

HEALTH

World Diabetes Day observed 

Nov 14, 2012

Today is World Diabetes Day. It is observed on the 14th of November every 

year to create awareness about the metabolic disorder. An estimated 350 million people across the world suffer from diabetes of which India alone accounts for more than 60 million. AIR Correspondent reports that the Crude Prevalence Rate of diabetes in the urban areas in India is found to be 9 per cent, whereas in rural areas, it is approximately 3 per cent of the total population.

The types of diabetes differ considerably in India from that in the Western world. Type One diabetes, which is due to insulin-deficiency, is more prevalent among children while Type Two diabetes is life-style induced and is rampant among the young adults. Feeling weakness, frequent urge to pass urine, unusual thirst and excessive hunger are some of the symptoms of the diabetes. Health authorities advise to have plenty of fruits and vegetables, half-an-hour walk and physical exercise at least for five days a week. They also advise to quit smoking as it reduces the risk of heart attack by half.

The World Health Organization says, diabetes can strain national health systems and threaten to reverse hard-won development gains in low and middle income countries. Governments across the globe are struggling to protect their citizens from factors that grow the risk of diabetes, which are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and alcohol abuse.