World Health Day 2016

World Health Day - Here's how you can beat Diabetes

About 350 million people worldwide are suffering from diabetes, a number likely to more than double in the next 20 years.

April 7 every year is celebrated by World Health Organisation (WHO) as the World Health Day. The theme of this day in 2016 is "Beat diabetes".

About 350 million people worldwide are suffering from diabetes, a number likely to more than double in the next 20 years. In 2012, diabetes was the direct cause for 1.5 million deaths across the globe. More than 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Type 2 accounts for around 90% of all diabetes worldwide. Reports of type 2 diabetes in children have also increased worldwide.

India has the second largest pool of diabetes in the world, with 70 million people. With the rising income levels among urban Indians, increment in wealth, higher anxiety levels, inactive lifestyles, no or little exercise, excessive consumption of calorie rich foods and inadequate nourishment, there is high diabetes prevalence in India.

With the development of newer and more advanced medications, today, diabetes can be managed effectively and with ease. Treatment for diabetes is lifelong, so it is best to adopt preventive measures earlier and save yourself the hassle of taking medication later.

Through simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and can even reverse it in the early stages. It is never too late to take charge of your health and strengthen your defense against diabetes. My prevention mantra is: "eat less, eat on time, eat right, walk more, sleep well & sleep on time and smile".

— Dr Shashank Joshi, president, Indian Academy of Diabetes

Begin by making the following simple lifestyle changes:

Eat a well-balanced diet. Stay away totally from highly processed foods, sugar laden beverages and trans fats. Limit intake of red and prepared meats and include whole grains (including flavoured oats) and vegetables in your diet. Restrict fat both visible and invisible and avoid fried and fast foods.. Also, it is necessary to consciously include proteins in your diet like dal, soya, pulses, low fat milk products like yogurt, milk and paneer.

Regular exercise is a key to good glucose control under medical supervision. Indians need 60 minutes of activity. Listen to music and do Yoga. Stay away from remote and computer key boards as well as smart phones for one to two hours Have a device free time

Say No to smoking or Avoid tobacco consumption to reduce risk of diabetes related complications of developing cardio-vascular diseases
Be happy, smile and be stress free