World Diabetes Day: The theme this year is access to diabetes care

Diabetes can be a serious condition, but it is not a death sentence. With proper management, many people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. However, the CDC also notes that “deaths among people with diabetes are often preventable.” This means that with early detection, treatment, and lifestyle modifications, many people with diabetes can avoid complications that can lead to death.

Therefore, to create awareness globally, World Diabetes Day (WDD) is organised. It is a campaign organised every year on November 14 to raise public awareness about diabetes, its prevention, detection, and management. It is a crucial day to highlight the escalating prevalence of diabetes and its detrimental impact on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. The theme for WDD 2021-23 is: Access to Diabetes Care.

Significance of the day

Raising Awareness: It serves as a powerful platform to educate the public about diabetes, its symptoms, its complications, and the importance of early diagnosis and management. It aims to break down misconceptions and myths surrounding diabetes, fostering informed decision-making and promoting preventive measures.

Prevention Focus: It emphasizes the prevention of type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form of the disease. It promotes healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Early Detection Campaign: The day highlights the importance of early detection and diagnosis of diabetes, which can significantly improve outcomes and prevent complications. It encourages individuals to undergo regular checkups and screenings to identify diabetes early on.

Access to Care: It advocates for improving access to diabetes care, particularly in underserved communities. It highlights the need for affordable and accessible treatment options, including medication, regular counseling, and education programs.

Global Solidarity: The day fosters a global sense of solidarity among the diabetes community. It brings together individuals, healthcare professionals, organizations, and governments to work together to address the growing burden of diabetes worldwide.

Promoting Healthy Living: It promotes overall healthy living habits, not just to prevent diabetes but also to improve overall health and well-being. It encourages individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle, regardless of their diabetes status.

Supporting Diabetes Research: It highlights the importance of diabetes research and the need for continuous advancements in treatment options, prevention strategies, and management tools. It supports efforts to improve the lives of people living with diabetes.

So how do you manage your diabetes?

According to Shriya Maini, Founder of Immuno Eats, who is also an alumna of Apeejay Institute of Management and Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC) in Jalandhar, it is important to opt for healthier grain alternatives. “Carbohydrates play a significant role in nutrition. Many products on the market are made from refined flour, which lacks nutritional value. Switching to healthier options like wheat or semolina is a better choice. Millets such as ragi (finger millet), bajra (pearl millet), jowar (sorghum), and sawank (barnyard millet) are healthier substitutes for dishes like cakes, pancakes, and dosa,” Maini said and shared some more tips to manage diabetes.

Spice knowledge impacts 75% of taste: To achieve delicious flavours in your dishes, both parents and children should have some knowledge of the spices to enhance the taste. India is renowned for its spices, with more than 100 varieties available in the market. Children often enjoy spices like oregano, chili flakes, herbs, and black pepper in their food. For Indian dishes, spices like coriander (dhaniya), cardamom (elaichi), cinnamon (dalchini), and fenugreek (kasuri methi) can make your food taste as good as restaurant dishes.

Replace unhealthy fats with good fats: Spreads and dips are popular these days, especially among children. Many of the options available in the market are made with palm oil and emulsifiers. You can achieve the same taste by using healthier alternatives such as shredded homemade paneer, cashew paste, or hung curd as a base.

Sugar is the main culprit: Children often crave sugary foods more than adults, and studies have shown that sugar can be more addictive than drugs. Choosing natural sweeteners like raisins, dates, figs, jaggery, or palm jaggery is a better substitute.

Make your food visually appealing: Presentation is an essential aspect of satisfying eating, as children are more inclined to choose foods that look attractive. Adding a variety of fruits and vegetables can make the food colorful and nutritious. Varying the shapes of the food can also help make it more appealing.

The key to managing diabetes and preventing complications is to maintain good control of blood sugar levels. Remember before switching your diet plan, always consult your doctor.