World Diabetes Day 2024: Breaking barriers, bridging gaps

India is known as the “Diabetes capital of the world,” home to approximately 17 percent of the worldwide diabetic population.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition characterized by issues with insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin, while in type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells respond inadequately to insulin. This lack of proper insulin production or function leads to elevated blood glucose levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia.

World Diabetes Day: History and significance

World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1922. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established World Diabetes Day in 1991 to raise awareness about the growing threat of diabetes. In 2006, the United Nations officially recognized World Diabetes Day by passing Resolution 61/225.

World Diabetes Day 2024: Theme

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.” This theme underscores the commitment to reducing diabetes risk and ensuring that all people diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, and quality treatment and care.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

In type 1 diabetes, the body produces little or no insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in children and young adults, though it can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily to survive.

Type 2 Diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells do not use insulin effectively, even though the pancreas may still produce sufficient amounts. This is the most common type of diabetes. Factors such as being overweight, obese, or having a family history of diabetes can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can occur at any age.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and typically goes away after the baby is born. However, those who experience gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Prediabetes

Prediabetes is a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Other types of diabetes

Less common forms of diabetes include monogenic diabetes, which results from a change in a single gene, and diabetes that develops due to surgical removal of the pancreas or damage to the pancreas from conditions such as cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis.