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