WHO publicized Global Report on “Diabetes”

On the occasion of World Health Day 2016 that was celebrated on April 7 with theme “Halt the rise: Beat Diabetes”, WHO has released its first Global Report on Diabetes.

Key Highlights of Global Report on Diabetes:

• Persons with Diabetes – On the global front, there are estimated 422 million adults are suffering with diabetes in 2014 in comparison to 108 million in 1980.

• Middle income countries – Diabetes prevalence has risen more in middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

• Deaths caused by Diabetes – In 2012, 5 million deaths caused by diabetes. It is followed by an increase in risks of cardiovascular and other diseases.

• Types of diabetes – There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 begins usually in childhood and type 2 is linked to obesity and decreasing levels of physical activity.

• Premature deaths – Only one out of three low and middle-income countries have access to basic equipment for diabetes diagnosis. This lack of access to insulin and other affordable medication leads to complications and premature deaths.

• Impacting economically – Diabetes and its complications affecting directly to people with diabetes through medical costs and loss of work and wages.

Recommendations regarding its Prevention

• Global Action Plan – WHO Non Communicable Diseases (NCD) Global Action Plan 2013-2020 aims at helping countries reduce the impact of diabetes.

• National mechanisms – Countries must come up with national mechanisms ensuring political commitment, resource distribution, leadership and consultancy for an integrated response to diabetes.

• Prevention is better than cure – Take action to prevent people becoming overweight and obese, beginning before birth and in early childhood.

• Healthy diet – Programs should be put in place to promote breastfeeding and healthy food and discourage consumption of sugar soda.

Keys
World Diabetes Day – 14 November