The United Nation’s World Diabetes Day is the world’s largest awareness campaign related to diabetes. The day was first observed on 14^th of November, 1991, the birthday of Dr. Frederick Banting. He was one of the co-creators of insulin, a life-saving drug for diabetics and the day is a perfect way to acknowledge his contribution in the field. 

It is estimated that there would be 600 million people across the globe who will be suffering from diabetes by the end of 2035. Therefore, the day is instrumental in trying to spread the message of diabetes awareness and prevention through campaigns, awareness drives, regular health check-ups, etc.

 The IDF-WHO Initiative

Every time, this day is observed on a particular theme under the watchful eyes of International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organisation. During 2014-2016, the campaign is going to emphasize upon the theme of ‘Healthy living starts at Breakfast’. And, the year 2015 focuses upon starting every day right with a healthy breakfast. The first meal of the day keeps the blood sugar levels of a person in control while keeping stomach full till the lunch time. Even the proverb, ‘Breakfast like a King’ says it all about the importance of this meal. This basic idea of having wholesome breakfast is the starting point for good health.

Changing Theme

This chronic ailment occurs when a patient’s pancreas is not able to secrete the insulin hormone properly to regulate the body’s blood sugar levels. It is of two kinds – Type I and Type II that occur in childhood and adulthood simultaneously. A sad part is that the disease has 80 percent of patients to its credit only in the developing countries. Also, almost 78,000 children are diagnosed with Type I diabetes annually. Modifying eating habits and avoiding helps individuals avert this disease the better way.

 Trickle-Down Advocacy

If we narrow down the focus to our country, Diabetic Association of India is the only institution that is involved in patient care, research and education around diabetes. Till 2014, there were 66.8 million Diabetic patients in India. The high numbers raise an alarm over the awareness and prevention practices and the need to think over the measures to be adopted for curbing the disease.

 A Lifestyle Disease

The staggering numbers owe themselves to the unhealthy lifestyle followed by the middle-class youth. An unbalanced diet and physical inactivity in the wake of genetic predispositions is leading to an increasing obesity among the Indian adolescents. Its effect can be fatal leading to gangrene, renal failure, blindness and heart disease. Only early detection and management is the key to defeat diabetes.

 Detection and Management

In tune with this view, Ponty Chadha Foundation (PCF), a non-governmental organisation working in Delhi NCR organises diagnostic health camps with the backing of the WAVE Group. These camps are put up in collaboration with Dr, Ram Saran Garg Indo-German Hospital for the welfare of the vulnerable section of the society. The NGO also distributes medicines after a free check-up at health camps in rural areas and gives away tips on managing the ailment.