The World Health Day this time talks about concentrated efforts to deal with diabetes epidemic. WHO asked South- East Asian countries to “prevent, treat and beat” the diabetes menace.
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director, at WHO South-East Asia, has asked for concerted and vigorous action by the South East Asian areas to concentrate on “prevent, treat and beat “the epidemic of blood sugar or diabetes. Diabetes causes damage and has a serious effect on different organs of the body. This metabolic disorder where the blood sugar levels go erratic can cause strokes, nerve damage, heart attacks and even blindness.
World Health Day falls on 
and this year and it adds a special focus on diabetes. Early detection and care is necessary to stop this global widespread blood sugar level disorder that is rampant in middle and low income countries to a great extent. Talking about this, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, stated “Diabetes rarely makes headlines, and yet it will be the world’s seventh largest killer by 2030 unless intense and focused efforts are made by governments, communities and individuals.”
She also insisted that “Diabetes is of particular concern in the Region. More than one out of every four of the 3.7 million diabetes-related deaths globally occurs in the Region, while its prevalence exacerbates difficulties in the control of major infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Almost half of the 96 million people suffering the disease don’t know they have it. If diabetes prevalence continues to rise, the personal, social and economic consequences will deepen.”
Taking a diet rich in high salt, sugar, and fats can be harmful for people stated the medical fraternity. A Sedentary lifestyle with diets loaded on refined carbohydrates, fats, sugary and salty foods are taking a toll on young people. Type 2 diabetes has been detected in almost 90% people and the reason for this could be extra body weight and a lazy lifestyle with minimum physical activity. Type 2 diabetes can be controlled and treated if the diagnosis is made on time.
Dr. Khetrapal hinted that the efforts have to be personalized to control diabetes and stay healthy. For this it’s a must to avoid drinks laden with sugar. A loaded plateful doesn’t make sense, and one needs to focus on a limited portion of food that is enriched in vitamins and nutrients that can have a positive influence on energy needs of the body.
