What you should know about World Diabetes Awareness Month 2024

By Kamara Daniel

World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14 each year, aims to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities globally. The theme for 2024 focuses on “Diabetes Care and Education: Empowering Patients and Communities.” This theme emphasizes the importance of knowledge and support in managing diabetes effectively and underscores the need for educational resources tailored to diverse communities.

Global Diabetes Statistics

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), approximately 537 million adults (20-79 years) are living with diabetes globally as of 2021. This number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. The global prevalence of diabetes is approximately 10.5%.

Africa and Uganda Statistics

In Africa, diabetes is a growing health concern. The IDF estimates that around 24 million adults in Africa have diabetes, with projections indicating a significant increase in the coming years. In Uganda, the prevalence of diabetes was estimated at about 5.2% of the adult population in 2021, with Type 2 diabetes being the most common form.

Key Health and Nutrition Messages

What is Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot effectively use insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. There are two main types: Type 1 (often diagnosed in children and young adults) and Type 2 (more common in adults and associated with lifestyle factors).

Healthy Eating: A balanced diet is crucial in managing diabetes. Key nutritional messages include:
Choose Whole Foods: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Portion Control: Understanding serving sizes helps manage caloric intake and blood sugar levels.
Limit Sugars and Processed Foods: Reducing added sugars and highly processed items can improve blood sugar control.
Stay Hydrated: Water should be the primary beverage, as sugary drinks can spike blood glucose.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise helps control blood sugar levels, aids weight management, and reduces the risk of complications. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, complemented by strength training.

Regular Monitoring: Frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential for effective diabetes management. This helps individuals make informed decisions about diet and activity.

Medication Adherence: For many, medication is a crucial part of managing diabetes. Understanding and adhering to prescribed treatments, regular treatment, avoid relapses can prevent complications.

Education and Social Support groups: Building a support network including healthcare providers, family, and community resources can empower individuals in their diabetes management journey.

Preventive Strategies

1. Community Awareness Programs: Implementing local community camps, screening and radio talks in our settings of Uganda, increasing the visibility of diabetes in Schools through health fairs, workshops, and seminars can increase knowledge about diabetes prevention and management.
2. Screening Initiatives: Encouraging regular screening for diabetes, especially in high-risk populations, risk age group, living with another Non-communicable disease, being obese, can lead to early detection and better management.
3. Policy Advocacy: Supporting policies that promote healthier food environments, such as improved access to nutritious foods and regulation of sugary beverages, improving on advertisements of high trans-fat meals, on street bill boards with seducing food that’s un healthy, the restaurants that tell people that burgers are best with sodas regulated can have a significant impact on public health.
4. Workplace Wellness Programs: Encouraging employers to implement wellness programs that focus on healthy eating and physical activity can benefit employee health, such as focusing on a healthy kitchen, fruits and vegetables served at work places instead of sugary beverages, exercise once a week among others.
5. Culturally Tailored Education: Developing diabetes education programs that resonate with specific cultural backgrounds can improve engagement and effectiveness.

Challenges in Diabetes Management in Uganda

1. Limited Healthcare Resources: Many regions face shortages of healthcare professionals and facilities capable of managing diabetes effectively.
2. Cultural Beliefs: Misconceptions about diabetes and its management can hinder individuals from seeking help.
3. Economic Barriers: The cost of medication, healthcare, and nutritious food can be prohibitive for many, impacting diabetes care and prevention efforts.
4. Urbanization and Lifestyle Changes: Rapid urbanization has led to lifestyle changes, including decreased physical activity and increased consumption of processed foods, exacerbating the diabetes and obesity epidemic.

Therefore; World Diabetes Awareness Month 2024 serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of education and community support in the management and prevention of diabetes. With rising global and regional statistics, it is imperative to foster initiatives that empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their health. By promoting healthy lifestyles and advocating for supportive policies, we can work towards reducing the burden of diabetes in our communities, particularly in regions like Africa and Uganda where the need is most acute.

The writer is a Nutritionist at Bwindi Community Hospital

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