Fr Muller Medical College Observes World Diabetes Day with Contest/Workshop
Fr Muller Medical College Marks World Diabetes Day with Contest/Workshop, and with this year’s theme- “Women and diabetes – Our Right to a Healthy Future”
Mangaluru: World Diabetes Day seeks to raise awareness about the way the health problem affects people on a global scale. November 14 serves as a platform to promote the efforts of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and also brings to the fore the importance of taking actions to combat diabetes as a glaring global health problem. Each year, World Diabetes Day focuses on a particular theme pertaining to diabetes. This year, the day concentrates on the effects of diabetes on women. Every year on November 14, different countries observe World Diabetes Day. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991 as a reactionary measure against the rise of diabetes around the world, the day seeks to create awareness about the way diabetes affects people on a global scale. It focuses on diabetes mellitus.
The day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 when the United Nation Resolution 61/225 was passed. The day also marks the birth anniversary of scientist and Nobel Laureate Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin. World Diabetes Day serves as a platform to promote the efforts of IDF and also brings to the fore the importance of taking actions to combat diabetes as a glaring global health problem. Each year, the day focuses on a particular theme pertaining to diabetes. In 2016, the theme was ‘Eyes on Diabetes’ whereas this year, the day concentrates on the effects of diabetes on women. The organization, this year, seeks to make people aware of ‘Women and Diabetes’, especially those who are pregnant. It also intends to throw light on how their newborn might be affected by the condition.
Nine countries in the South-East Asia (SEA) Region, including India, has been shortlisted by IDF as the most affected by diabetes. A study conducted the Federation in India revealed that out of the 79.8 million adults living in India, a staggering 69.1 million adults suffer from diabetes. A blue circle logo, adopted in 2007 represents the campaign. It serves as the global symbol for diabetes and signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the rising diabetes epidemic.
World Diabetes Day falls every year on 14 November and is a day when millions of people around the world come together to raise awareness of diabetes, and what it’s really like to live with the condition. It’s a global campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) with activity taking place around the world. To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was pleased to announce that the theme of “World Diabetes Day 2017” will be “Women and diabetes – Our right to a healthy future”. World Diabetes Day observed at Fr Muller Medical College at the Knowledge Centre Hall on 14 November began with a prayer song invoking God’s blessings, followed by welcome address by Dr Arunachalam- HOD of Medicine-FMMC.
The programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by the dignitaries on the dais namely- Fr Ajith Menezes- Administrator-FMMC; Dr Arunachalam; Dr Smitha Bhat and Dr Archana Bhat, both of Dept of Medicine, FMMC; Dr J P Alva- Dean, FMMC; Dr Sudeep- Enderiologist, FMMC; and Sr Janet D’souza- Chief Nursing Officer. Dr Smitha Bhat and Dr Archana Bhat gave talks on subjects related to diabetes, its symptoms and prevention. At the OPD hall, talks on similar subjects were held for pregnant women, diabetes patients/Diabetes Caregivers were delivered by Dr Akshatha Rao ( Associate-Gestational Professor); Dr Srilakshmi; and Dr Swapna.
The winners in the poster contest related to topic on Diabetes for girls students- the First place was bagged by Shrilakshmi Hegde (Canara HS); 2nd place by Marlyn (St Agnes School); and 3rd place by Alvila D’Souza (Lourdes School)- and a special prize was given to Tulsi Patel of St Agnes Special School. Prizes to the winners were distributed by Sr Janet D’souza. The programme was very well compered by Dr Shani Constin, a PG in Dept. of General Medicine.
There are currently over 199 million women living with diabetes and this total is projected to increase to 313 million by 2040. Gender roles and power dynamics influence vulnerability to diabetes, affect access to health services and health-seeking behaviour for women and amplify the impact of diabetes on women. In India itself, which is known as the “Diabetes Capital of the World” there are 70 million, of which 50% are women.Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths each year. As a result of socioeconomic conditions, girls and women with diabetes experience barriers in accessing cost-effective diabetes prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment and care, particularly in developing countries.
Socioeconomic inequalities expose women to the main risk factors for diabetes, including poor diet and nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco consumption and harmful use of alcohol. Two out of every five women with diabetes are of reproductive age, accounting for over 60 million women worldwide. Women with diabetes have more difficulty conceiving and may have poor pregnancy outcomes. Without pre-conception planning, type 1 and type 2 diabetes can result in a significantly higher risk of maternal and child mortality and morbidity.
1 in 7 births is affected by gestational diabetes (GDM), a severe and neglected threat to maternal and child health. Many women with GDM experience pregnancy-related complications including high blood pressure, large birth weight babies and obstructed labour. A significant number of women with GDM also go on to develop type 2 diabetes resulting in further healthcare complications and costs. Stigmatization and discrimination faced by people with diabetes are particularly pronounced for girls and women, who carry a double burden of discrimination because of their health status and the inequalities perpetrated in male-dominated societies. These inequalities can discourage girls and women from seeking diagnosis and treatment, preventing them from achieving positive health outcomes.
World Diabetes Day 2017: 8 Crucial Ways to Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is the general term used for conditions which lead to an increase in glucose levels in the blood. Though a dangerous disease with a proper diet and lifestyle change, you can control your blood sugar levels. Eating at right time, the appropriate amount of a balance carbohydrates, fats and proteins with fruits is essential. A disorder of high blood sugar levels, diabetes is spreading its wings to include about 70 million people in India, both in the urban and rural areas. The serious condition exposes patients to several other complications and could be life-threatening. What’s worrisome is that it often goes undiagnosed and many are unaware of its long-term implications.
From cardio-vascular diseases to its perilous effect on eyes and kidneys as well as the dangerous gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimates that approximately five million people die each year as a consequence of the disease. Diabetes is the general term used for a condition that leads to an increase in glucose levels in the blood. It occurs when the pancreas is either unable to make sufficient amounts of insulin, or the insulin produced does not act properly (a condition known as insulin resistance). But, with a proper diet and lifestyle change, you can control the disease.
On World Diabetes Day observed on November 14 each year — to raise awareness and provide affordable care to all — here are some important and key factors that you need to take care of so as to stop it from being fatal. Taking short breaks from work and doing some stretching exercises during the long shift is a must.
Family history of diabetes:
You inherit a predisposition to the condition and then something in your environment triggers it, especially if there is a history of obesity. Type 2 diabetes has a stronger connection to family history and lineage than type 1, however, with proper diagnosis on time it can be kept under control.
Lifestyle modification:
Sedentary habits, eating more junk and fatty food, aerated drinks, and erratic meal habits – all contribute towards the risk of having diabetes. Every extra hour of sitting increases risk of having diabetes by a fifth, warns the doctor. So, by an intensive lifestyle modification, adopting of healthy diets and increased physical activity, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Diabetes can be easily controlled by a combination of diet, exercise and medicines.
Obesity:
Gaining weight may make you susceptible to diabetes. As doctor suggests, try to maintain ideal body weight, that is to keep the BMI less than 22.9 Kg/m2 and waist circumference to less than 90 cm in male and 80 cm in females. Get rid of excess weight through a regimented diet and exercise plan. There are no shortcuts to lose weight. Weight loss and a good diet can even reverse pre-diabetes.
Food habits and balanced diet:
Eating at right time, an appropriate amount of a balance carbohydrates, fats and proteins with fruits is essential. Not going on an empty stomach for long hours and not missing the meals are important. Studies have shown that missing breakfast increases the risk of developing diabetes. Replace heavy meals after prolong gap with small healthy snacks to munch on. Try to replace your normal rice with brown rice and refined flour with whole grains.
Short regular walking breaks, 30 minutes of continuous physical activity, and especially the two combined, could potentially improve people’s metabolic health.
Exercise regularly:
From a brisk walk to yoga, exercise daily for at least for 30 to 45 minutes. Sedentary habits are contributing in a big way to increasing incidences of diabetes. Also, taking a break from exercise could up the risks. So make sure to take small breaks in between your work.
Adequate sleep:
Not just food and exercise but proper rest is also very important. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every day is a must as our body rejuvenates itself during sleep by eliminating the toxins which accumulate during the time we are awake. Late nights and late mornings also up the risk of having diabetes and hypertension. Proper sleep is equally important to fight the disease and to keep it under control.
Manage stress:
Stress has invaded every part of human life in today’s world. From kids to elderly, stress has become all-encompassing. With too much work and not active break or recreational activities that make us happy and content, we risk our selves to many diseases and diabetes is one of them. While this needs to be addressed at a higher level, it is essential that a person find ways to mitigate this stress.
Regular checkups:
Regular blood sugar monitoring, essential intake of medicines and a review check-up with your doctors at regular intervals is a must.
