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Debosmita Ghosh • 27 Nov 2024
Over 482,000 Diabetes-Related Deaths Reported Annually In India And Southeast Asia, Says WHO
Over 482,000 Diabetes-Related Deaths Reported Annually In India And Southeast Asia
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that Southeast Asia, including India, sees over 482,000 diabetes-related deaths every year. WHO noted that the countries in the Southeast Asia Region have made significant progress in provisioning services for the management of diabetes, however, it still needs better steps to boost prevention and control the blood sugar condition.
Diabetes is a condition wherein your blood sugar (glucose) levels are high. A person usually develops the condition when their pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or no insulin at all or when their body doesn’t respond to the insulin that is produced by the pancreas.
According to WHO, till June, over 60 million people have been placed on protocol-based management for diabetes and hypertension. This is expected to reach 100 million by 2025. However, despite efforts, challenges remain. More than 260,000 children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes face limited access to insulin and monitoring.
Along with that, the incidence of type 2 diabetes is also increasing among young people in the region. Saima Wazed, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia said, “Bridging the service gaps to ensure timely access to diabetes care can save lives.” Wazed, speaking at the two-day Regional Commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024 under the theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’ in Colombo, Sri Lanka called for making “care services equitable, comprehensive, accessible, and affordable” for all.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a video message to the gathering, said that more than half of the 800 million people living with diabetes “do not receive treatment”.
The WHO chief pressed the need to “intensify efforts to meet global targets and ensure better prevention, diagnosis and management of diabetes”.
While diabetes can happen to people at any age, it can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Here, are some ways to manage the condition.
Follow a Balanced Diet
Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of vegetables. Limit refined carbs and sugars to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Regularly check blood glucose levels to understand your body’s response to food, exercise and medication.
Exercise Regularly
Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly like walking or swimming to improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar.
Take Medications as Prescribed
Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medications or insulin. Never skip doses.
Manage Stress
Practice mindfulness, yoga or deep breathing as stress can raise blood sugar levels.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out excess sugar.
Get Regular Checkups
Schedule visits with your doctor to monitor complications like nerve damage, kidney health and eye problems.
Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can worsen diabetes-related risks like heart disease.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Losing even a small amount of weight can improve blood sugar control and reduce the need for medication.
(With inputs from IANS)
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