November 14th is World Diabetes Day
As the world grapples with chronic diseases, one health issue that continues to surge is diabetes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports a staggering rise in the number of people affected by diabetes, soaring from 108 million in 1980 to an astounding 422 million in 2014.1 It is imperative to raise awareness about this rapidly expanding health problem, its implications for individuals, and the preventive measures that can be taken.
Diabetes, a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke, and lower limb amputation, presents a grave concern. Alarming statistics reveal an alarming 3% increase in diabetes mortality rates by age between 2000 and 2019.1 In 2019 alone, diabetes and kidney disease arising from diabetes accounted for an estimated 2 million deaths.1 This chronic disease arises when the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin or when the body's ability to utilise its own insulin is compromised. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes inflicts serious harm on various body systems, particularly the nerves and blood vessels.
Fortunately, there is hope. Adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a normal body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and abstaining from tobacco use can contribute to the prevention or delay of diabetes onset. Early detection, responsible management through regular screening, dietary adjustments, physical activity, and, when necessary, medication can effectively avert or delay the dire consequences associated with diabetes.
UnitedHealthcare Global is dedicated to assisting individuals in addressing this prevalent health issue. Through the My Wellbeing programme, supportive resources are provided to facilitate lifestyle changes that can help manage or prevent diabetes. The Health Score feature serves as a personal gauge of real-time physical, emotional, and lifestyle wellbeing, empowering individuals to track their health effectively. This feature encompasses a dedicated section for physical wellbeing, enabling monitoring of exercise, nutrition, stress, and sleep — all crucial factors in diabetes management.
The virtual coaches within the programme provide personalised, real-time feedback, empowering and motivating users to embrace positive lifestyle changes. Recognising that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a pivotal aspect of diabetes management, My Wellbeing effectively guides individuals in that direction.
As we commemorate World Diabetes Day, remember that early detection and modest lifestyle adjustments can yield significant differences along an individuals health journey.
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Source:
1: Diabetes, World Health Organisation, 2023