World Diabetes Day 2024: Focus on Wellbeing
World Diabetes Day is on November 14, 2024. This year’s theme is well-being for people with diabetes.
Managing diabetes can be tough, but with the proper care, people can live healthier lives.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that happens when the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or can’t use insulin properly (Type 2).
Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. When it’s not working right, glucose can build up in the blood.
Over time, this can cause serious health issues like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
Diabetes and Wellbeing
The daily management of diabetes can be overwhelming. From checking blood sugar levels and taking medication to eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise
- 36% of people with diabetes experience diabetes distress
- 63% say fear of complications affect their wellbeing
- 28% find it hard to stay positive
World Diabetes Day reminds us to keep focusing on well-being and to support each other through the challenges.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
Finding out about diabetes early can make a big difference. Look out for these signs:
- Weeing often, especially at night.
- Feeling very thirsty and hungry, even after eating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling tired all the time
- Blurry vision
If you notice these signs, talk to your doctor. Regular check-ups help in early detection and management of diabetes.
Risk
Like many illnesses, we can change some risk factors, and others we can’t.
Men are at greater risk of diabetes. Your ethnicity and family history can make diabetes more likely too.
An unhealthy diet, drinking and smoking, not exercising and being overweight also increase your risk.
By answering a few questions, you can check your risk at Diabetes UK. Knowing your risk helps you know what changes to make.
Support and Action
There is support out there to help you manage your diabetes, and it’s impact on your life. Click the links below to find out more.
- Eating well with diabetes. Recipes, meal plans and finding a balanced diet.
- Diabetes and exercise. The benefits, ideas and support.
- Diabetes and emotions. Wellbeing tips and advice.
- Life with diabetes. Practical help like free prescriptions, insurance, travel, employment and driving.