Every year, World Diabetes day is celebrated on November 14th, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23 is Access to Diabetes Care. The campaign is represented by a blue circle logo that was adopted in 2007 after the passage of the UN Resolution on diabetes. Since then, it has been the global symbol for diabetes awareness. It signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious condition that occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to make insulin, or when the body cannot make good use of the insulin it produces. Insulin allows for blood sugar to enter your body's cells so it can be used for energy. The dysfunction of insulin affects how the body turns food into energy. In most cases, diabetes is a life-long, or chronic, condition from onset due to there being no cure.

3 Types of Diabetes

Type 1 can develop at any age but most frequently in children and adolescents. It is characterized by low production of insulin. It’s also a genetic condition meaning people are born with it

Type 2 is more common in adults and accounts for around 90% of all diabetes cases. It is characterized by not producing enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to insulin. This condition typically occurs as a result of one’s lifestyle choices as in an unhealthy diet high in sugar

Gestational Diabetes is when one has a high blood glucose i.e. high amounts of sugar in the blood during pregnancy. This can be associated with complications for both mother and child

What are the Warning Signs?

These symptoms can be mild or absent in people with type 2 diabetes but it is important to note. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or think you may be at risk of having diabetes, be sure to contact your healthcare provider.

• Blurred vision

• Excessive thirst

• Unintentional weight loss

• Frequent urination

• Lack of energy

• Slow healing wounds

• Frequent infections

• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

• A family history of diabetes

• Unhealthy eating habits

• Lack of physical activity

• Being overweight

Possible Complications

Diabetes can damage the flow of blood around the body and the functioning of the nerves. This can lead to a number of associated problems including:

• Damage to the brain, leading to strokes

• Damage to the eyes, leading to loss of vision

• Damage to the heart, leading to heart attacks

• Damage to the kidneys, leading to kidney failure

• Sexual dysfunction

• Foot ulcers, leading to lower-limb amputation

• Higher risk of infection

• Lower resistance to infectious disease

At Breeding Arena College, we take our health seriously – information is power. Make deliberate lifestyle choices today: avoid being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and poor eating habits. Try to go outside two to three times a week and take a 10 minute walk and/or choose water over soda. These are just two ways in the plethora of activities you can engage in to stay healthy

You can access more information from the IDF (International Diabetes Federation) website and check if you’re at risk: https://www.idf.org/type-2-diabetes-risk-assessment/ 

Every year, World Diabetes day is celebrated on November 14th, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. The theme for World Diabetes Day...