World Diabetes Day - Spain

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every November 14 with the aim of raising awareness and educating the population about this chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world. Diabetes is considered a global epidemic, with a significant impact on public health and the quality of life of those who suffer from it.

Diabetes: A Global Epidemic

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to the body's inability to properly produce or use insulin. It is estimated that more than 460 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and this number is projected to rise to more than 700 million by the year 2045. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease, accounting for approximately 90% of the cases.

World Diabetes Day was created by the International Diabetes Federation ( IDF ) and the World Health Organization ( WHO ) in response to the increasing prevalence of diabetes globally. This date serves as a platform to raise awareness about diabetes risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis and management, as well as to advocate for better health policies and access to healthcare.

Goals of World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day has several fundamental objectives:

Awareness: It seeks to increase knowledge and understanding of diabetes, both among the general population and among health professionals. This includes educating about the different types of diabetes, risk factors, symptoms, and associated complications.

Prevention: The adoption of healthy lifestyles is promoted to prevent type 2 diabetes and delay or prevent the appearance of complications in those who already suffer from it. The promotion of a balanced diet, regular physical activity and weight control are key elements in the prevention of diabetes.

Access to health care: It seeks to ensure equitable access to health care and essential medicines for all people with diabetes, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status. This implies advocating for health policies that promote early detection, proper diagnosis, and timely treatment.

Research: World Diabetes Day is also an opportunity to promote research in the field of diabetes, both in the development of new treatments and in the search for a definitive cure. Investment in research and collaboration among scientists, health professionals, and the global community are encouraged to advance the understanding and management of the disease.

Measures to deal with diabetes

To tackle diabetes and reduce its impact, it is necessary to implement a series of comprehensive and multifaceted measures. These measures cover various aspects, from the promotion of healthy lifestyles to access to medical care and emotional support. These are the key measures to deal with diabetes:

Education and Awareness: It is critical to provide diabetes education and awareness at all levels, from the community to educational and healthcare settings. This includes disseminating information about risk factors, symptoms, and ways to prevent and control the disease. Furthermore, it is important to foster understanding and empathy towards people with diabetes to reduce the associated stigma.

Promotion of healthy lifestyles: The adoption of a balanced diet and the regular practice of physical activity are fundamental in the prevention and management of diabetes. Nutrition education programs that emphasize the consumption of healthy foods, the reduction of processed and sugary foods, and the importance of physical activity in the daily routine should be promoted. Likewise, it is necessary to create favorable environments that facilitate the adoption of healthy lifestyles, such as the availability of healthy food options in schools and workplaces, as well as the creation of spaces for physical activity in communities.

Early detection and diagnosis: Early detection of diabetes is essential for effective management of the disease and to prevent long-term complications. Screening programs should be implemented in primary health care, especially aimed at people with risk factors such as obesity, a family history of diabetes , hypertension , and a sedentary lifestyle . In addition, it is important to promote early diagnosis and access to specialized medical care services for proper treatment.

Access to health care: It is essential to ensure that all people with diabetes have access to quality and affordable health care services. This involves strengthening primary health care systems, providing adequate training to health professionals, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines and glucose monitoring technologies . In addition, it is necessary to promote health insurance coverage that includes comprehensive diabetes care and promote health policies that improve access to health care services.

Psychological and emotional support: Diabetes can have a significant impact on people's emotional health and psychological well-being. It is important to provide psychological and emotional support to people with diabetes and their families, especially in managing the disease and adapting to lifestyle changes. This may include the provision of counseling and support group services, as well as the promotion of participation in support groups and the dissemination of informational resources.

Research and development of treatments: It is essential to promote research in the field of diabetes to improve understanding of the disease, develop more effective treatments and seek a definitive cure. Resources must be devoted to research into innovative therapies, glucose monitoring technologies, medications, and preventative approaches. In addition, it is important to promote collaboration between researchers, academic institutions, the pharmaceutical industry, and patient organizations to drive scientific advancement in the field of diabetes.

Health and prevention policies at the government level: Governments must take an active role in the prevention and control of diabetes through effective health policies. This includes implementing national diabetes prevention programs and promoting healthy environments, regulating unhealthy food advertising, taxing sugary drinks, and promoting employment policies that encourage healthy lifestyles. In addition, diabetes surveillance systems must be strengthened to collect epidemiological data and assess the impact of interventions.

Working together, from individuals to health authorities, is essential to reduce the burden of diabetes and ensure a healthier future for all.