Diabetes: Let’s take control
Diabetes education is a common scenario in developed world, whereas it is mostly not in practice in developing countries.
Diabetes imposes life-long demands on people with diabetes and their families, who have to make a multitude of decisions related to managing diabetes. As outcomes and prevention of complications are largely based on the decisions they take, it is of paramount importance that people with diabetes receive ongoing, high-quality diabetes education that is tailored to their needs and delivered by skilled health professionals. With a view to raising awareness regarding the importance of education and prevention, International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have selected the theme "Diabetes education and prevention", for World Diabetes Day in the year 2009-2013. The day is going to be observed tomorrow throughout the world including Bangladesh. The campaign calls for better understanding diabetes and take control. Without diabetes education, people with diabetes are less prepared to take informed decisions, make behavioural changes, address the psycho-social issues presented by diabetes and, ultimately, may be ill-equipped to manage their diabetes effectively. Even in developed countries, many people cannot access education because there are not enough educators or centres to cope with the rising number of people with diabetes. Education is helpful not only to manage diabetes but also to prevent diabetes. At present, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, type 2 diabetes, can be prevented in many cases by maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active. Unless action is taken to implement effective prevention and control programmes, IDF predicts that the total number of people with diabetes will reach 435 million by 2030. There is substantial evidence that achieving a healthy body weight and moderate physical activity can help prevent the development of type 2 diabetes. In primary prevention there is an important role for the diabetes educator to help people understand the risks and set realistic goals to improve health. IDF recommends a goal of at least 30 minutes of daily exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing. Regular walking for at least 30 minutes per day, for example, has been shown to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by 35-40 percent. Enjoy an active life and prevent diabetes risk and its complications.
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