World Diabetes Day: Understanding, Preventing, and Managing Diabetes

Nov 01, 2023 Diabetes Mellitus

 

World Diabetes Day, which falls annually on November 14th, is a global awareness campaign dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities worldwide. This day serves as a platform to promote the importance of early detection, effective management, and the prevention of diabetes.

In this blog post, we look at what World Diabetes Day is, the different types of diabetes, reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes, effective management of the condition, and how Simply Meds Online can help with regular and emergency prescriptions.

 

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. This inability to control blood sugar (glucose) can have serious health consequences, as it leads to higher-than-normal levels of glucose in the blood. 

There are three main types of diabetes:

 

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, typically diagnosed in youth, is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets and eradicates the insulin-producing cells located within the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin therapy to control their blood sugar levels. This is a lifelong condition. While T1 diabetics can manage their diabetes well they will always need insulin.

 

Type 2 Diabetes

This is the most common form of diabetes. It is characterised by insulin resistance, where the body's cells do not effectively use insulin. Lifestyle factors such as excessive weight, smoking and alcohol, lack of activity/exercise and family history often play a role in its development. Some type 2 diabetics manage their condition through lifestyle changes whereas others might need oral or injectable medications including Ozempic or even Insulin.

 

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. While it usually resolves very quickly after giving birth, having gestational diabetes can lead to women being at an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in the future.

 

When Is World Diabetes Day?

World Diabetes Day falls on November 14th each year to honour the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionised the treatment of diabetes, making it possible for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition more effectively. Before the discovery and production of insulin, the outlook for many with the condition was very poor.

 

What Is World Diabetes Day About This Year?

Each year, World Diabetes Day has a specific theme and set of goals. These themes aim to address various aspects of diabetes, including prevention, management, and research. This year, the focus is on "Know Your Risk, Know Your Response." This includes educating people on the risks of diabetes, knowing how to manage it effectively through adequate healthcare for all and working with policymakers to find better ways to champion diabetes and fund diabetes care and research more effectively and fairly on a global level.

 

Reducing Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Preventing Type 2 diabetes is crucial to maintaining good health. Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing this condition. Here are some tips to lower your risk:

• Maintain a Healthy Diet - A healthy and balanced diet gives you the nutrition you need and can help prevent or manage diabetes and other conditions. Reduce sugary or processed foods, monitor carb portions and increase fruit and vegetables, switch to wholegrain and whole wheat foods where possible, consider lean protein sources and keep up with your healthy fats.
   

• Stay Physically Active - Regular exercise can help regulate blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy weight. This doesn’t mean joining the gym. It can mean gently increasing your activity levels, and building them up over time to help you reach your goals.
   

• Manage Your Weight - Losing excess weight and maintaining a healthy BMI can reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes as well as lower the risk of other health conditions.
   

• Limit Alcohol and Tobacco - Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can increase the risk of diabetes as well as other conditions. Reducing or quitting these habits can lower your risk of T2 diabetes and other conditions significantly.

 

Your GP service can refer you to support with all of these factors; exercise, diet, stopping smoking and losing weight. Speak to them for targeted advice that will help to reduce your risk of type two diabetes.

 

Effective Management of Diabetes

For those already living with diabetes, effective management is essential to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life. Management strategies often include:

 

Medication

Depending on the type and severity of diabetes, medication, such as insulin or oral medications, may be prescribed. It is important to take prescribed medication as prescribed and to attend regular reviews with your health team to check your health and make changes to medication where necessary. 

 

Monitoring

Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels helps individuals make necessary adjustments to their treatment plan. It can also help identify what foods trigger more extreme surges in blood sugars and help you tailor your diet plan accordingly. 

While some diabetics receive a blood monitoring device and test strips on prescription not everyone does. While some T2 Diabetics do, others buy their own for regular or occasional monitoring. Here at Simply Meds Online, we stock the GlucoRX Nexus Blood Monitoring system and test strips for this and numerous other glucose-monitoring devices.

 

Diet and Exercise

 A balanced diet and regular physical activity are key components of diabetes management. Both help to encourage effective management of diabetes and reduce the risk factors associated with diabetes and other conditions, such as heart attacks and stroke.

 

How Simply Meds Online Can Help With Managing Diabetes

 

Simply Meds Online is a reliable source for prescription medication and healthcare products, making it easier for you to manage your diabetes. We offer a convenient and secure way to access essential medications. Our services include:

Regular NHS Prescription Delivery

 

If you receive regular NHS prescriptions you can nominate Simply Meds Online as your registered prescription provider. We ship your prescribed medications to your doorstep for no extra cost, ensuring you never run out of essential supplies and helping you avoid waiting in pharmacy queues.

 

Emergency Prescriptions from Simply Meds Online

 

What if you’re away from home or have forgotten to order supplies and you are running out? Our emergency medicines prescription service can help people in this situation if they have diabetes and other authorised conditions and prescriptions. Simply visit the Emergency Prescriptions page and follow the instructions to get you back on track.

All prescriptions and products from Simply Meds Online are shipped swiftly, securely and discreetly to your nominated address.

 

Helping You to Manage Your Health on World Diabetes Day and Beyond

World Diabetes Day offers an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes, its prevention, and effective management. The more you know about your risks and how to maximise your control, the better.

 Remember that whether you are at risk for diabetes or already living with the condition, taking proactive steps towards a healthy lifestyle, accessing quality healthcare, and proper management can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. This, in part, is what WDD is about; ensuring everyone has the same access to education and medical support.

If you are concerned about your health, please seek advice from your GP. Only through them can you receive targeted diabetes support that is specific to your needs. Once you have a diagnosis or preventative advice (for pre-diabetes) in place, Simply Meds Online is here to support you on your journey towards better diabetes care.