World Diabetes Day is an annual observance held on November 14th each year. It was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the escalating health threat posed by diabetes worldwide.

The primary aim of World Diabetes Day is to raise awareness about diabetes, its risk factors, prevention, and the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management. Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to various complications if not responsibly managed. There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, which is typically diagnosed in childhood, and type 2 diabetes, which is more common in adults and is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity and physical inactivity.

On World Diabetes Day, various events, campaigns, and activities are organized globally to increase public understanding of diabetes and advocate for improved care and access to treatment for those affected. Governments, healthcare organizations, and diabetes associations use this day as an opportunity to promote diabetes education, healthy living, and efforts to combat the condition.

The symbol for World Diabetes Day is a blue circle, which represents unity and the global fight against diabetes. Landmarks and buildings around the world are often illuminated in blue to show support for the campaign.

World Diabetes Day serves as an essential platform to rally together individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers in their efforts to reduce the impact of diabetes and its associated complications on the global population.

DIABETES

… WHAT IS IT ACTUALLY?


Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a chronic medical condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucose is a vital source of energy for the body, and its levels are regulated by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin allows glucose to enter the body’s cells, where it is used for energy.

Good Health and Well-being
SDG Goal 3 aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. It addresses a wide range of health priorities, including reducing maternal and child mortality, combating infectious diseases, reducing non-communicable diseases, promoting mental health, and ensuring universal access to healthcare and essential medicines. This goal emphasizes the importance of health education, the reduction of health risks, and the need for a robust healthcare system to enhance global health outcomes.

There are three main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes: This type occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce insulin or produces very little. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections or use insulin pumps to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for the majority of cases. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects. It is often associated with factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and certain ethnicities. Type 2 diabetes can usually be managed through lifestyle changes, oral medications, and in some cases, insulin therapy.

Gestational diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand. It usually resolves after childbirth, but women who have had gestational diabetes are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Symptoms of diabetes can include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, increased hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, eye problems, and circulation issues.

According to current figures, more than 7 million people in Germany are being treated for diabetes. In addition, there are 3-4 million people whose diabetes has not yet been diagnosed.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adherence to prescribed medications or insulin are crucial for effectively managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications. If you suspect you have diabetes or are experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and appropriate management.

Hypoglycaemia

Hypoglycaemia refers to a condition in which the blood glucose level in the body is too low, i.e. falls below the normal range. Normally, the blood glucose level is around 70-110 mg/dL (milligrams per decilitre) or 3.9-6.1 mmol/L (millimoles per litre). Hypoglycaemia occurs when the blood glucose level falls below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). This condition is particularly relevant for people with diabetes, but it can also occur in non-diabetics.

Causes of hypoglycaemia:

Diabetes: in people with diabetes, too much insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medication can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.

Delayed or skipped meals: If a meal is delayed or skipped, blood glucose levels may drop because the body is not getting enough glucose from food.

Excessive physical activity: intense physical activity can lower blood glucose levels, especially if there is not enough carbohydrate intake.

Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can prevent the liver from releasing glucose, which can lead to hypoglycaemia.

Symptoms of hypoglycaemia:

Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may include:

  • Shaking or twitching
  • Sweating
  • Palpitations or increased pulse
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Irritability or restlessness
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • confusion or difficulty concentrating
  • pale skin
  • tiredness or weakness
  • headache
  • Hunger

Dangers of hypoglycaemia:

Untreated hypoglycaemia can be dangerous and lead to serious complications, including:

Loss of consciousness: if blood glucose levels become too low, loss of consciousness can occur, which is potentially life-threatening.

Seizure activity: Severe hypoglycaemia can cause seizures.

Brain damage: If the brain does not get enough glucose, brain damage can occur.

Accidents: Hypoglycaemia can cause confusion and impaired cognitive function, increasing the risk of accidents.

Long-term complications: Repeated episodes of hypoglycaemia can lead to decreased awareness of hypoglycaemia in people with diabetes, increasing the risk of further severe hypoglycaemia.

It is important to recognise hypoglycaemia early and treat it appropriately by consuming carbohydrates or injecting glucagon (a hormone that increases blood glucose levels) if necessary. People with diabetes should work closely with their doctor to control their blood glucose levels and prevent hypoglycaemia.

If hypoglycaemia occurs frequently or is severe, it is important to inform the attending physician in order to adjust the diabetes treatment accordingly.

RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES

Immutable factors that influence the risk of type 2 diabetes:

  • People who have had elevated blood sugar at times may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes.
  • This is also true for women who had elevated blood glucose levels (gestational or gestational diabetes) during pregnancy.

  • Body size affects the risk of diabetes because it also plays a role in the distribution of fat around the abdomen.

  • The risk is increased if biological relatives have or have had type 2 diabetes. This increased risk is probably based on an interplay of genetic and family lifestyle factors.

Modifiable factors that influence type 2 diabetes risk:

  • Physical activity helps to maintain body weight and at the same time improves insulin action. This helps regulate blood glucose levels. Besides exercise, other activities such as cycling, gardening or walking also contribute to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • If you have a lot of fat stored in your abdomen (waist), your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases. Studies have shown that losing weight can significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

  • Many studies suggest that eating wholemeal bread and wholemeal products reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes.

  • Eating beef, pork, veal or lamb increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The more meat you eat, the higher your risk.

  • Studies show a link between coffee consumption and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Increased alcohol consumption, on the other hand, increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. Alcohol consumption can lead to addiction, liver damage or cancer

  • Heavy smoking is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Smoking can also lead to cancer and cardiovascular disease. It is therefore advisable to stop smoking.

WHAT IS YOUR RISK?

This test determines your diabetes risk quickly and reliably:

(No personal data such as IP address or the values entered will be stored!)

Calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) and note it down,

BMI calculator

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Your BMI is......

BMIClassification
less than 18.5: Underweight
18.5 - 24.9:Normal weight
25 - 29.9:Overweight
30 - 34.9:Class I Obese
35 - 39.9:Class II Obese
40 upwards:Class III Obese
then answer 7 questions to determine your individual risk.

For example, do you have a relative with diabetes or have you ever been diagnosed with high blood sugar levels? At the end of the test, you will see your result and also tips on how you can reduce your determined risk through your behaviour. . (This test is recommended by the German Diabetes Foundation)

NOTE: The test is not suitable if you already have diabetes (type 1 or type 2) or if you already notice typical signs of diabetes. These are, for example, strong thirst, increased urination, fatigue, loss of appetite, tiredness, or unjustified weight loss. If the latter is the case, please discuss these symptoms with your family doctor.

How old are you?

 
 
 
 
 

Has at least one member of your family been diagnosed with diabetes?

 
 
 

What waist circumference do you measure at the level of the navel?

 
 
 

Do you have at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day?

 
 

How often do you eat fruit, vegetables, or dark bread (rye or wholemeal bread)?

 
 

Have you ever been prescribed medication for high blood pressure?

 
 

What is your height to body weight ratio (body mass index)?

 
 
 

Question 1 of 7

HOW TO AVOID DIABETES

To avoid diabetes or reduce the risk of developing it, you can take several proactive steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some essential strategies:

Eat a balanced diet: Focus on consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit your intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and high-calorie snacks.

Control portion sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to prevent overeating, especially when consuming calorie-dense foods.

Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of diabetes. Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Stay physically active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or any other exercise you enjoy. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.

Monitor carbohydrate intake: If you have a family history of diabetes or are at risk, consider monitoring your carbohydrate intake. Choose complex carbohydrates and avoid excessive consumption of refined sugars and processed carbohydrates.

Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can contribute to weight gain and may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Quit smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and various other health issues. If you smoke, seek support to quit.

Manage stress: Chronic stress can affect your hormone levels and blood sugar regulation. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or spending time doing activities you enjoy.

Get regular check-ups: Regular health check-ups can help monitor your blood sugar levels and detect any potential issues early.

Know your family history: If you have a family history of diabetes, it’s essential to be aware of the increased risk and take preventative measures.

Sleep well: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Poor sleep patterns can affect insulin sensitivity and increase the risk of diabetes.

Remember that genetics can play a role in diabetes risk, but lifestyle choices can significantly influence the development of type 2 diabetes. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and making positive changes, you can reduce your risk and improve overall well-being. If you have concerns about your diabetes risk or need personalized advice, consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.

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