World Health Day 2016: Theme – Beat Diabetes
World Health Organization (WHO) observes World Health Day every year on 7th April. The theme for this year is ‘Beat Diabetes’.
Diabetes currently affects about 400 million people in the world. It accounts for almost 1.5 million (15 lakhs) direct deaths.
Apart from 1.5 million deaths, many diabetics who do not take good care or are diagnosed late live with disability that includes – amputation of fingers or limbs, blindness, heart diseases, kidney failure, impotence, etc.
You can beat diabetes by doing the following things:
- Eat healthy: Have a balanced diet (carbs, proteins, healthy fats and salads); avoid junk foods.
- Be active: Exercise for at least 30 minutes 4 to 5 times a week.
- If in doubt, check: As diabetes may not always have symptoms, check blood sugar levels if in doubt.
Common symptoms of diabetes are:
- Increased thirst
- frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Loss of weight
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
Many people with diabetes may have no symptoms and are diagnosed during regular medical checks. Hence it is necessary to check blood sugar levels when in doubt.
India is soon going to be the diabetes capital of the world and every step should be taken by all to make the Indian population aware of this fact so that they do everything possible to beat diabetes and lead a full life without disability.
