World Diabetes Day, Nov 14

November 14, the birthday of insulin discoverer Frederick Bunting, was first designated World Diabetes Day in 1991 in collaboration with the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of naming such a day is to increase public awareness about the causes, complications, prevention and treatment of this growing phenomenon.

Symbol of World Diabetes Day

The United Nations approved the use of a circle as a “Together for Diabetes” symbol to mark World Diabetes Day by the United Nations and to emphasize the fight against diabetes. The circle is a simple symbol that can be easily accepted and used. In all cultures, the circle is a symbol of life and health, and the meaning of this symbol is that hard pressures have a positive effect. Blue is the embodiment of the sky that unites all nations (the color of the UN flag is also blue). The Blue Diabetes Circle is a symbol of global unity in the fight against diabetes.

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a complication of impaired production or function of insulin in the body. Complications associated with diabetes include:

• Heart disease, heart attack, and stroke
• Neuropathy
• Nephropathy
• Retinopathy and vision loss
• Hearing loss
• Foot damage such as infections and sores that don’t heal
• Skin conditions such as bacterial and fungal infections
• Depression
• Dementia

Insulin is a hormone or substance produced in the pancreas that enables cells to take glucose from the blood and use it to produce energy. If a person with diabetes does not produce the insulin the body needs (type 2 diabetes) Either insulin is poorly produced in the pancreas or the insulin produced is not effective (type 2 diabetes) as a result, people with diabetes cannot use glucose or sugar better than other people in their metabolism.

As a result, their blood sugar rises significantly. Hyperglycemia is called “hyperglycemia.” High blood sugar causes early and late complications in the body. If diabetes is not prevented and treated, many of these complications can reduce the quality of life for a person with diabetes and his family.

Types of diabetes

Type 1-Insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the patient either produces a small amount of insulin or does not produce insulin at all, and as a result of lack of insulin, it is impossible to control blood sugar. This type of diabetes usually occurs before the age of 40 and its peak incidence is around the age of 14.

Type 2-Insulin-dependent or type 2 diabetes

In this type of diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but not to the extent that it regulates blood sugar, and on the other hand, the body’s cells are resistant to insulin. This type of diabetes usually occurs in people over 40 years old.

Everyone can get type 2 diabetes. However, there are factors that may put you at greater risk for the disease. These factors include:

1. Accumulation of fat around the waist and stomach
2. Sedentary and not doing sports
3. Excess weight
4. Age over 45 years
5. History of type 2 diabetes in the family
6. Having gestational diabetes
7. High blood pressure
8. High triglyceride
9. Low accumulation of lipoprotein and cholesterol (below 35)

Type 3-Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes usually appears between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery, because in all types of diabetes, blood sugar or glucose levels are extremely high. The symptoms and results are all the same.

Diabetes Symptoms

The general symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Frequent urination
• Blurry vision
• Extreme fatigue
• Sores that do not heal

What women are at risk for diabetes?

All women 30 years and older who have at least one of the following characteristics are at risk for diabetes:

• Women who are overweight or obese
• Women who have a first-degree relative (father, mother, sister or brother) with a history of diabetes.
• Women who have a history of 2 or more spontaneous abortions (for no apparent reason) or a history of stillbirth or a history of giving birth to a baby weighing more than four kilograms.
• Women who have a history of gestational diabetes in one of their previous pregnancies.
• Pregnant women (in any age group)

More about Gestational Diabetes

Pregnant women may have a type of diabetes that is different from types 1 and type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is called gestational diabetes and often goes away after delivery, but it is very important to control it during pregnancy and if you do not control your blood sugar, it can threaten many complications for both mother and fetus.

Gestational diabetes is controlled by following a proper diet and upper body physical activity. In some cases, insulin injections are needed. It is forbidden to take blood sugar lowering drugs during pregnancy.

The exact cause of gestational diabetes, like other types of diabetes, is unknown, but scientists believe that hormones, genetic background and obesity play a special role in causing this disease.

During pregnancy, the placenta, which is responsible for nourishing the fetus, produces large amounts of a variety of hormones. Although the presence of these hormones is essential for fetal growth, they interfere with insulin function and resistance in the mother.

Tips to prevent diabetes

Increase physical activity

Performing physical activity on a regular basis can increase insulin secretion and sensitivity, which may help prevent the progression from prediabetes to diabetes.

Cut sugar and refined carbs from your Diet

Eating foods high in refined carbs and sugar increases blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to diabetes over time. Avoiding these foods may help reduce your risk.

Drink water more

Drinking water instead of other beverages may help control blood sugar and insulin levels, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes.

Lose extra weight

Carrying excess weight, particularly in the abdominal area, increases the likelihood of developing diabetes. Losing weight may significantly reduce the risk of diabetes.

Quit smoking

Smoking is strongly linked to the risk of diabetes, especially in heavy smokers. Quitting has been shown to reduce this risk over time.

Eat a High-Fiber diet

Consuming a good fiber source at each meal can help prevent spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may help reduce your risk of developing diabetes.

Optimize Vitamin D Levels

Consuming foods high in vitamin D or taking supplements can help optimize vitamin D blood levels, which can reduce your risk of diabetes.

Avoid restricted and transient diets and modify your diet and choose healthier foods.