Diabetes is a disease in which the body’s ability to produce or utilize the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in abnormal metabolism of carbohydrates and elevated levels of glucose in the blood. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications, which include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers which may lead to limb amputation, damage to the nerves as well as blindness.
As of 2019, an estimated 463 million people had diabetes worldwide (8.8% of the adult population).
There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:
Type 1 diabetes results from the body’s failure to produce enough insulin. Children and younger people are more prone to type 1 diabetes. They must be managed with insulin injections, as the main problem is the reduced insulin levels in the body.
Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells in the body fail to respond to insulin properly. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly seen in people who are in their mid-age and also in senior citizens. Prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes involves maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, a normal body weight, and avoiding use of tobacco. This is more common than type 1 diabetes and patients may be treated with oral tablets with or without insulin. Control of blood pressure and maintaining proper foot and eye care are very important.
Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels, and it usually resolves after the birth of the baby.
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World diabetes day is celebrated to help spread awareness of this disease amongst the global community.
History
The first-ever World Diabetes Day was celebrated on November 14th, 1991, to coincide with the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting (who, along with Charles Best discovered insulin in the year 1922). The International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) to mark the first-ever international celebration. The IDF started the promotions for this day owing to medical concerns regarding the increasing cases of Diabetes Mellitus worldwide.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2020 is The Nurse and Diabetes. The campaign aims to raise awareness around the crucial role that nurses play in supporting people living with diabetes. Nurses currently account for over half of the global health workforce; and as the number of people with diabetes continues to rise across the world, the role of nurses and other health professional support staff becomes increasingly important in managing the impact of the condition. They do outstanding work to support people who either live with diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition, through education on the disease condition, complications, and on the importance of medication use. They play a key role in demonstrating and teaching patients on the appropriate technique of insulin administration, as well as ensuring the patients are following dietary recommendations.
There remains a significant need for more education and funding to equip nurses around the world with the skills to support people living with diabetes and those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Healthcare providers and governments must therefore recognize the importance of investing in education and training. With the right expertise, nurses can make the difference for people affected by diabetes.
How can you celebrate World Diabetes Day?
Organize a diabetes information session for residents in your community or people in your work place
Exercise in blue outfit
Check your blood sugar/HbA1c to assess your potential risk of type 2 diabetes
Like other lifestyle diseases, diabetes is best detected early through routine screening, and best managed early, before complications develop.
Dr Monisola Adanijo FMCP a Cardiologist and the Medical Director at Naveen Healthcare.
With experience spanning over 20 years, she built her pathway in medicine and cardiology working in reputable medical centres such as Mecure Healthcare Limited, Barnes Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Chevron Hospital, Lagos to mention but a few.
Her passion for preventive cardiology led her to convene the Naveen Healthcare 10,000 Hearts Project, in order to help individuals detect, protect and correct cardiovascular diseases.
Skilled in cardiovascular diagnostic procedures and treatment, a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, a member of Nigerian Cardiac Society, American College of Physicians, Hypertension society of Nigeria and an international associate of the American College of Cardiology. She also has a Diploma in Leadership and Management from the University of Washington, USA,
As a Continuous Medical Education (CME) provider, she has worked with the likes of Trigen Healthcare Solutions, Pfizer GP Academy, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance, Pfizer Pharmacy Academy, Global Health Project and Resources, Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria, Novartis Nigeria and Servier International. She has helped build capacity in Electrocardiogram interpretation, preventive cardiovascular diseases, management of heart failure, patient education and more.
She launched the first TeleElectrocardiogram project in Nigeria and West Africa and does her part in contributing to good health and wellbeing, a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) of the United Nations.
[email protected]
www.naveenhealthcare.com
Instagram: https://Instagram.com/moni_adanijo
https://Instagram.com/naveenhealthcare
Linkedin: Monisola Adanijo
Resources:
https://worlddiabetesday.org
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes
