April 7th 2016, World Health Day 2016: Beat Diabetes!

Did you know that over 350 million people worldwide have diabetes?  The prevalence and death toll of this disease is increasing every day. As a matter of fact, in 2012 diabetes was the direct cause of more than 1.5 million deaths.  The World Health Organization (WHO) agrees that Diabetes is among the deadliest diseases in the world.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar.  Hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes, and over time can seriously compromise every major organ system of the body, causing heart attacks, strokes, nerve damage, kidney failure, blindness, and infections that can lead to amputations.

Due to its rapid growth across the world, and mounting death toll, the World Health Organization has turned its attention to “Beat Diabetes” this World Health Day.  Here are a few things you need to know!

1. A large portion of diabetes cases are preventable.  Here are some simple lifestyle choices shown to be immensely effective at delaying, or all-together preventing, the onset of diabetes.
2. Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
3. Be physically active- at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days.  (More activity is required for weight control)
4. Eat a healthy, balanced diet:
   –  Practice portion control
   –  Eat every 3 hours to keep your blood sugar steady and your energy level up.
   –  Choose meals and snacks that are rich in protein and healthy fats
   –  Include 2-3 servings of fresh fruit, and 3-5 servings of vegetables daily
5. Avoid tobacco use- smoking increases the risk of chronic diseases
6. Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) is largely influenced by genetics. If you have a family history of diabetes, be sure to have regular physicals and screenings and strive to live a healthy lifestyle.
7. Here’s the good news: Diabetes is treatable and can be managed to prevent complications through proper diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medications.

To celebrate World Health Day, I urge you to reflect on your personal health and challenge yourself to be healthier!