World Diabetes Day: WHO calls for greater education

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for increased access to quality diabetes education for healthcare workers and people living with diabetes as part of efforts to achieve access for all to quality, affordable diabetes care, on the occasion of World Diabetes Day.

According to the WHO, around 422 million people have diabetes, and 1.5 million deaths are directly attributed to diabetes every year around the world.

"In the WHO South-East Asia Region, more than 96 million people are estimated to have diabetes, and another 96 million to be pre-diabetic, causing at least 600 000 deaths annually," a statement from the WHO said.

The statement highlighted the seriousness of Diabetes and said that if detected late, or improperly managed, can lead to serious and life-threatening damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

The WHO also laid down the methods to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
"The risk of type 2 diabetes can be reduced through regular and adequate physical activity, healthy eating, and by avoiding tobacco and the harmful use of alcohol. If developed, type 2 diabetes can be managed through medication, control of blood pressure and lipids, and adherence to a healthy lifestyle," it said.

It added that the countries must continue to promote access to essential medicines and priority devices, including insulin, in national benefit packages - a key focus of the Region's Flagship Priority on UHC.

(ANI)