World Diabetes Day 2023

WDD was created in 1991 by IDF (International Diabetes Foundation) and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2023 is access to diabetes care.

The campaign focuses on the importance of knowing your risk of type 2 diabetes to help delay or prevent the condition and highlighting the impact of diabetes-related complications and the importance of having access to the right information and care to ensure timely treatment and management.

1 in 10 adults worldwide have diabetes. Over 90% have type 2 diabetes. Close to half are not yet diagnosed.
In many cases, type 2 diabetes and its complications can be delayed or prevented by adopting and maintaining healthy habits. When not detected and treated early, diabetes can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications.

Type 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of all diabetes. There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles associated with urbanization are common factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes. There is overwhelming evidence from studies in the USA, Finland, China, India and Japan that lifestyle changes (achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity) can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes in people at risk.

Reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes involves a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as overweight and obesity increases the risk. Even a small weight loss can make a big difference. Regular screenings and check-ups, especially for people with one or more of the risk factors, can detect early signs and help individuals make the necessary changes to delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

RISK FACTORS FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES
Several risk factors have been associated with type 2 diabetes and include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Overweight
• Unhealthy diet
• Physical inactivity
• Increasing age
• High blood pressure
• Ethnicity
• Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)*
• History of gestational diabetes
• Poor nutrition during pregnancy

*Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a category of higher than normal blood glucose, but below the threshold for diagnosing diabetes.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A HEALTHY DIET FOR THE GENERAL POPULATION

• Choosing water, coffee or tea instead of fruit juice, soda, or other sugar sweetened beverages
• Eating at least three servings of vegetable every day, including green leafy vegetables
• Eating up to three servings of fresh fruit every day
• Choosing protein dominant snacks, a piece of fresh fruit, or unsweetened yoghurt for a snack
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Choosing lean protein sources instead of red or processed meat
• Choosing nutrient dense whole foods
• Choosing whole-grain bread, rice, or pasta instead of white bread, rice, or pasta
• Choosing unsaturated fats (olive oil, canola oil, corn oil, or sunflower oil) instead of saturated fats (butter, ghee, animal fat, coconut oil or palm oil

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Any movement is good, and more is generally better, to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. In addition to increasing our NEAT (non exercise activity thermogenesis) you should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, swimming or cycling) per week, spread out over several days, possibly in shorter bouts of 10-15 minutes.

Strength training also has immense advantages. You can increase muscle mass and improve insulin sensitivity and glucose control by following a regular strength training program and increasing muscle mass
At PLT Nutrition we are passionate about health and the prevention of disease through nutrition, fitness and an overall attention to a healthy lifestyle whenever possible