‘World Diabetes Day’ today

KATHMANDU: Today marks the celebration of World Diabetes Day, featuring numerous awareness programmes in Nepal and across the globe.

This day aims to enhance understanding of the risks, prevention, and treatment options for diabetes.

Since 2007, it has been recognized following a United Nations initiative.

The UN has urged all member nations to develop national strategies aligned with their healthcare systems to combat diabetes.

The World Health Organization reported that in 2014, 422 million adults globally were living with diabetes, a significant increase from 108 million in 1980.

The rise in diabetes cases is attributed to factors such as obesity, poor lifestyle choices, and insufficient physical activity.

Preventive measures include maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and steering clear of smoking and alcohol.

The global organization has stressed the importance of prioritizing long-term health policies, raising public awareness, and fostering a lifestyle-friendly environment to address the escalating diabetes crisis.

How Diabetes Occurs: Experts Explain

Health experts say diabetes develops when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar due to problems with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas.

Diabetes occurs either when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively, causing glucose to build up in the bloodstream.

According to medical specialists, Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing cells.

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin, often due to genetics, obesity, and lifestyle factors.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that reduce insulin effectiveness.

Doctors warn that lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet, stress, and family history significantly increase the risk.

Early diagnosis and lifestyle changes can help prevent complications.