Today is being celebrated at World Diabetes Day under the theme ‘Healthy Living.’ According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), this year’s campaign marks the first of a three-year (2014-16) focus on healthy living and diabetes. It continues:
The latest estimates from the IDF Diabetes Atlas indicate that there are 382 million people living with diabetes worldwide. By 2035, 592 million people or one person in ten will have the disease. A further 316 million people are currently at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with the number expected to increase to almost 500 million within a generation. What makes the pandemic particularly menacing is that throughout much of the world, it remains hidden. Up to half of all people with diabetes globally remain undiagnosed.
These facts and figures reiterate the importance of urgent action. Most cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented and the serious complications of diabetes can be avoided through healthy lifestyles and living environments that encourage and facilitate healthy behaviour.
The key messages of the campaign aim to raise awareness of how the healthy choice can be the easy choice and the various steps that individuals can take to make informed decisions about what they eat. Special focus will be placed on the importance of starting the day with a healthy breakfast.
All campaign activities will be continue to be informed by the slogan “Diabetes: protect our future.”
Below, we’ve collated some diGJamaica posts and Gleaner articles related to diabetes and healthy living for your information:
- 5 Facts: Diabetes
- The ABCDs Of Diabetes
- Diabetes & Chikungunya:What You Need To Know
- Diabetes – Die-or-beat-this
- Nutrition Facts For Diabetics
- 5 ‘Fancy’ Vegetarian Recipes – Among the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle is reducing the risk of diabetes.
- Curry Explosion! – Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, which gives curry its colour, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce the long-term effects of diabetes.
- The Versatile Breadfruit – Breadfruit slows the absorption of glucose from the blood into the cells, therefore controlling blood sugars, especially in persons with diabetes.
