World Diabetes Day is
marked on 14 November every year in memory of Sir Fredrick Banting, one
of the scientists who isolated Insulin.
The
blue circle as the icon for Diabetes was designed as it is seen that
the circle occurs frequently in nature and has thus been widely employed
since the dawn of humankind. Across cultures, the circle can symbolize
life, health and unity. The blue border of the circle reflects the
colour of the sky and the flag of the United Nations.
Diabetes has assumed epidemic proportions
in India with an urban prevalence of 12%-18% and rural prevalence of 3%-6%.
There
are significant regional variations – from 8% in Jharkhand to 18% in Gujarat.Another 14% have pre-diabetes – a
harbinger of future diabetes.
The
driving forces behind the epidemic are urbanization (30%) and economic
development with resultant increase in GDP, sedentary lifestyle, western diet,
and fast food diet on a background of genetic susceptibility.
The Asian Indian Phenotype
Refers
to
certain unique clinical and biochemical abnormalities in Indians
- increased
insulin
resistance
- greater
abdominal
adiposity i.e.,
- higher waist circumference despite lower body mass index
- lower
adiponectin
- higher
high
sensitive C-reactive protein levels.
This phenotype
makes Asian Indians more prone to diabetes and premature coronary artery disease; at least a part of this is due to genetic
factors.
However,
the primary driver of the epidemic of diabetes is the rapid epidemiological
transition associated with changes in dietary patterns and decreased physical activity
While some genes confer increased
susceptibility to diabetes among Indians, other genes that are protective in
Europeans do not appear to protect Indians.
Indians develop diabetes at a younger age
and those younger than 45 years accounts for 36% of all diabetics in India.
Treatment
In addition to medicines (tablets or/and insulin injections) lifestyle modification is equally vital in controlling Diabetes
1. Individualized
Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Intake
of saturated fats <10%
- Carbohydrates
50-60%
- Proteins
15-20% of total calorie intake
2. Physical
Activity and Exercise according to individual’s
- Age
- Fitness
- Aptitude
- Interest
3. Avoidance
of smoking and alcohol
4. Control
of Stress/Anxiety
