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World Diabetes Day 2024
Context:
World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14th, is a global awareness campaign aimed at educating people about diabetes and advocating for better treatment and prevention efforts.
More on News:
This year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” reflects the growing global effort to overcome obstacles in diabetes care and ensure equal access to resources, education, and healthcare.
The theme for 2024: “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps”, focusing on:
- Inclusivity in healthcare for people with diabetes.
- Emphasising collaboration among governments, health organisations, and communities to address disparities in diabetes care.
- Providing high-quality, affordable treatment to individuals with diabetes worldwide.
- Encouraging proactive steps toward diabetes prevention, early diagnosis, and effective management.
Background:
- World Diabetes Day was first established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to the rising cases of diabetes worldwide.
- The day is observed on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921, a discovery that has saved millions of lives.
Significance:
- Awareness: It raises global awareness about the various types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.
- Education: The day focuses on educating individuals about the risks associated with diabetes and the importance of early detection and management.
- Advocacy: It provides a platform for health organisations and advocates to push for policy changes that promote affordable and accessible diabetes care, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is Diabetes?
- Diabetes is a chronic condition caused by insufficient insulin production or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively, leading to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).
- Prevalence in India: According to the ICMR INDIAB study (2023), 10.1 crore people in India have diabetes.
- Symptoms: Type 1 Diabetes: Symptoms appear suddenly and Type 2 Diabetes: Symptoms develop gradually, sometimes over years.
- Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss.
- Uncontrolled diabetes can cause Heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and permanent vision loss (due to damaged retinal blood vessels). Nerve damage, poor circulation, foot ulcers, and potential amputations.
- Prevention: Lifestyle changes are the most effective way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
- Recommendations for prevention include: Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active (at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily), following a balanced diet (low in added sugars and saturated fats), avoid tobacco use.
Global Impact:
- Diabetes is a growing health crisis worldwide, with an estimated 1 in 10 people living with the disease as of 2021.
- The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) projects that this number could rise significantly in the coming years if preventive measures are not implemented.
- Notably, around 44% of adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed. The economic burden of diabetes is substantial, with billions spent on medical care and lost productivity each year.
Government of India’s Diabetes Prevention Initiative:
- The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) is a comprehensive initiative under the National Health Mission (NHM) to address diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- Provides technical and financial assistance to states and Union Territories (UTs) for diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
- 743 District NCD Clinics and 6,237 Community Health Center NCD Clinics established for local care.
- Focus on healthcare personnel training, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and promoting early diagnosis and referrals.
- Population-based initiative targeting individuals over 30 for screening and control of NCDs (including diabetes).
- Promotion of preventive health practices and community wellness initiatives through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
- National and international health days observed to raise public awareness about diabetes.
- Fit India Movement and yoga programs encourage active lifestyles.
- Free Drugs Service Initiative under NHM provides free essential medicines, including insulin, to vulnerable groups.
- Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) ensures affordable access to quality generic medicines (including insulin).
