?? Today is World Diabetes Day – Raising Awareness for a Global Health Challenge ??

Did you know that over 460 million people worldwide are living with diabetes? That number is expected to rise to 700 million by 2045. This chronic condition, which affects the body’s ability to produce or respond to insulin, can lead to serious complications if left unmanaged – including heart disease, kidney failure, and vision loss.

When did it all begin? World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the growing health threat posed by diabetes. The date, November 14, was chosen to mark the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the scientists who discovered insulin in 1922.

How does diabetes occur? Diabetes occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. The two most common types are:

• Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This type is typically diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.
• Type 2 Diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. This is often linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.

What can we do? Diabetes is manageable, and in many cases, it is preventable. Healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood sugar levels can make a huge difference in both prevention and treatment.

This World Diabetes Day, let's commit to spreading awareness, supporting research, and encouraging healthy habits to combat this global health challenge. Together, we can make a difference! ??