Dhaka 26 September, 2026

World Diabetes Day 2024

Theme, History and Best Winter Foods For Patients

Rtv News

Publish : 14 Nov 2024, 01:18 PM
Photo: Collected

Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day (WDD) is observed to increase awareness of diabetes, a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) organized the event, focusing on diabetes prevention, health risks, and managing and living well with the disease.

Every year, the theme for World Diabetes Day shifts, frequently focusing on important topics like nutrition, physical activity, mental health, or access to healthcare for people with diabetes.

What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease marked by consistently elevated blood sugar levels. Diabetes is a chronic illness in which the body either produces insufficient amounts of insulin or is unable to use the insulin that it produces efficiently.

The pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which is crucial for controlling blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels can rise and cause issues with the heart, kidneys, feet, and eyes if insulin is not functioning properly.

Symptoms of Diabetes
Diabetes symptoms can appear suddenly, though in type 2 diabetes, they may develop gradually, sometimes taking years to notice. Typical signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. If untreated, diabetes can damage blood vessels in critical organs like the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves. It raises the risk for severe health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and in some cases, permanent vision loss due to damaged retinal blood vessels. Diabetes can also lead to nerve damage and poor circulation in the feet, resulting in ulcers and, potentially, amputations.

How to Prevent Diabetes?
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Recommendations for prevention include maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily, following a balanced diet low in added sugars and saturated fats, and avoiding tobacco use. Through proactive lifestyle management, individuals can reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its related complications.

World Diabetes Day 2024: Theme
The theme for this year is "Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps," which highlights our commitment to reducing the risk of diabetes and making sure that everyone with the disease has access to equitable, thorough, reasonably priced, and high-quality care.

History of World Diabetes Day
The IDF and WHO established World Diabetes Day in 1991 in response to growing global concerns about diabetes as a major health concern. By adopting Resolution 61/225 in 2006, the UN formally recognized WDD and identified diabetes as a global health concern. The date, November 14, was selected because it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1921. This finding transformed diabetes from a deadly illness to one that can now be controlled.

Significance of World Diabetes Day
To increase awareness of the effects of diabetes on people, families, and healthcare systems around the world, World Diabetes Day is essential. It emphasizes how crucial early detection, appropriate medical treatment, and lifestyle modifications are to the management of diabetes.

Additionally, WDD provides a platform for advocates and health organizations to campaign for policy changes that promote affordable and easily accessible diabetes care, especially for disadvantaged groups.

WDD is more important than ever in promoting a healthier lifestyle and teaching people about preventative measures to fight the diabetes epidemic, especially in light of the significant increase in diabetes incidence.

Top 5 best winter foods for diabetic patients

As the winter is near, here are some winter foods that are good for diabetic patients:

Sweet potatoes- For diabetics, sweet potatoes are a wintertime favorite because they contain complex carbohydrates that break down gradually, avoiding sudden blood sugar rises.

Green leafy vegetable- Rich in iron, magnesium, and fiber, this leafy green vegetable helps to improve metabolic health and control blood sugar.

Carrots- Carrots are good for diabetics since they are low in carbohydrates and high in beta-carotene and fiber.

Oats- With a low glycemic index and a high fiber content, particularly beta-glucan, which inhibits the absorption of glucose, oats make a hearty breakfast choice for chilly mornings.

Beetroot- A nutrient-dense winter vegetable that is high in fiber and antioxidants is beetroot. It supports cardiovascular health and lowers insulin resistance, both of which are critical for diabetics.

Diabetes in Bangladesh

World Diabetes Day observes Bangladesh with the globe aimed at building public awareness of the chronic metabolic disease.

The theme of the day is "Diabetes: Our Commitment to Good Health."

In 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) declared November 14 as World Diabetes Day, and the day has been observed all over the world since 2007.

At the request of the Diabetic Association of Bangladesh, the Government of Bangladesh proposed to the United Nations to observe the 'World Diabetes Day' on November 14 which was later unanimously adopted by the UN General Assembly.

On the occasion of the day, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued separate messages.

According to the IDF, about 42 crore people in the world are suffering from diabetes as one in every 10 adults worldwide has been suffering from diabetes.

Diabetes patients are increasing at an alarming rate in South Asia and the picture in Bangladesh is dire.

According to the Bangladesh Endocrine Society (BES) currently, about 1.31 crore people are suffering from diabetes in the country making it eighth in the world.

World Diabetes Day reminds us of the growing impact of diabetes on global health and the urgent need for collective action to prevent, diagnose, and manage this chronic condition. In 2024, the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps' underscores the critical importance of accessible, high-quality diabetes care, especially for underrepresented communities. The Government of India’s initiatives reflect a proactive, multi-faceted approach to diabetes prevention through enhanced healthcare access, awareness programs, and lifestyle promotion programs. By fostering awareness, providing resources, and encouraging healthy living, these initiatives aim to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and alleviate its long-term complications, contributing to a healthier future for all citizens.

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10 Morning Habits Parents Should Follow to Set a Good Example for Kids
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History, Traditions, Significance and Celebrations
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Experts Recommendation to Avoid Breathing Problems in Winter
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Old Dhaka Tehari Recipe
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