Food for thought: Nourishing awareness of the diabetes risk

We all love food; it’s a sentiment that unites us. From sizzling street foods to decadent desserts, we all have a shared passion for flavours and textures. However, the fine line between appreciation and obsession can have profound consequences, especially regarding our health. Diabetes is one such common health risk that often tiptoes into our lives unnoticed, fuelled by dietary choices that tilt the balance toward excess.

It’s a call to action

Today, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922, is a day of collective consciousness and shared commitment – World Diabetes Day. It’s not just a date on the calendar; it’s a global call to action, urging individuals and communities to see the gravity of diabetes as a health risk.

1 in 10

1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes. Over 90% have type 2 diabetes, while close to half are not yet diagnosed. While type 1 is not preventable but can be managed with insulin injections, in many cases, type 2 diabetes and its complications can be delayed or prevented by adopting and maintaining healthy habits. Knowing your risk and what to do is important to support prevention, early diagnosis and timely treatment.

“Access to Diabetes Care”

Themed “Access to Diabetes Care” this World Diabetes Day, the World Health Organization highlights the need for equitable access to essential care, including raising awareness of ways people with diabetes can minimize their risk of complications. As prevention is better than cure let’s also be more mindful of our dietary choices, exercises and daily health routine, to have well-managed blood sugar levels to keep the diabetes risk at a minimum.