IDF calls on global diabetes community to take active control on World Diabetes Day

This year’s World Diabetes Day marks the second year of a 5-year focus on diabetes education and prevention.

November 14 has officially been recognized by the United Nations as World Diabetes Day since 2007. This year’s World Diabetes Day slogan, “Let’s take control of diabetes now” highlights the need to slow down, stop and hopefully eventually reverse diabetes trends. Currently, more than 300 million people worldwide live with diabetes. By 2030, this number will grow to half a billion, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Risk factor awareness

Trisha Dunning, PhD, RN, a member of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Consultative Section on Diabetes Education, said there is more that can be done to prevent type 2 diabetes. Obesity is considered the single best predictor of type 2 diabetes, she said in an interview. Other well-known risk factors associated with diabetes, such as elevated cholesterol, hypertension and smoking, have been implicated in an increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

“The increased diagnosis of type 2 diabetes among young people is especially alarming because they are likely to develop complications at a younger age. In fact, that is already occurring,” Dunning said. “At the same time, we have an aging population, many of whom have diabetes and are likely to need supported care.”

In 2004, CVD was noted on 68% of diabetes-related death certificates among people aged 65 years or older. Adults with diabetes have CVD mortality rates about two to four times higher than adults without diabetes. Further, the risk of stroke is two to four times higher among people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Global health priority

“The diabetes prevalence figures are alarming,” Dunning said. “Diabetes is a global problem and most countries have a major focus on diabetes prevention programs. Many countries have listed diabetes as a health priority, which means it will be addressed at a high level.”

Diabetes awareness and prevention is beginning to grow support from government and policymakers.

“Awareness for diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is growing and the world is finally starting to take notice,” Jean Claude Mbanya, president of IDF, said. “This recognition was confirmed on May 13 [2010] when the United Nations General Assembly passed Resolution 64/265, stating that it decided to convene a high-level meeting of the General Assembly in September 2011 with the participation of heads of state and government. This meeting will discuss the prevention and control of NCDs. This is the start of a global shift on the focus of diabetes and other NCDs.”

Prevention

According to Dunning, individuals can reduce their risks of diabetes by:

• knowing their own risks for developing diabetes;
• eating a healthy balanced diet with low levels of saturated fat and salt;
• reducing alcohol intake;
• remaining physically active;
• managing stress levels; and
• having regular checks performed by their doctor.

For patients with diabetes, Mbanya recommended that they “enjoy an active life and prevent complications.” For those without diabetes, he advised that they are made aware of the warning signs, adding that “many people do not know the warning signs of diabetes.”

Education

Taking a more broad approach to prevention, many fast food chains are trying to reduce the fat and salt content of their foods. Dunning speculated that this reduction was a result of community pressure from obesity programs. Although fast food chains have added healthier options to their menus, soft drinks and sweets are still readily available. Many fast foods and sweets are cheaper than fruits, vegetables and other healthier options, according to Dunning. Implementing healthy diet strategies in schools may help prevent obesity.

“There are many school programs that involve children in growing and using their own fruit and vegetables, which is an important teaching strategy,” Dunning explained. “Children learn about their health and well-being.”

Awareness

Mbanya believes that a key to diabetes awareness is taking control. He recommended individuals or groups help raise diabetes awareness by getting involved in activities in the days leading up to World Diabetes Day and on Nov. 14. Individuals can plan and/or take part in group walks, runs and exercise events.

“But it is important that people raise awareness about diabetes year-round, which can be done by wearing the blue circle pin,” Mbanya said. “The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes. We want to encourage everyone to use the symbol for diabetes as a reference to diabetes and the millions of people affected by the disease. Just like the red ribbon has given so much prominence to HIV/AIDS, we want to see the same awareness of diabetes by establishing the blue circle globally.”

Campaign message

Mbanya explained that the focus of IDF’s campaign will be on raising awareness of diabetes and disseminating tools for the prevention of diabetes.

“For people with diabetes, the focus will be on disseminating tools to improve knowledge of diabetes in order to better understand the condition and prevent complications,” Mbanya said. “For governments and policy-makers, efforts will focus on advocacy aimed at communicating the cost-effective implications of diabetes prevention strategies and promoting diabetes education as a core component of diabetes management and treatment.” – by Anthony Calabro

Follow EndocrineToday.com on Twitter.