World Health Day 2016 – Diabetes Solutions

This year the World Health Organization (WHO) is celebrating World Health Day 2016 with a focus on diabetes; bringing diabetes awareness to the forefront.

Diabetes Statistics

• Diabetes by the Numbers - Every year 1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes; 350 million people worldwide.
• Un-diagnosed Diabetics - It is estimated that 8.1 million Americans have diabetes but are not diagnosed.
• Diagnosed Diabetics - There are approximately 21 million Americans who have been diagnosed with diabetes each year.
• Diabetic Deaths - 1.5 million people die from diabetes or the effects of diabetes each year.
• Consistent Increase in Diabetic Diagnoses - WHO expects the number of people affected with diabetes to increase twice fold or more in the next 20 years; causing near epidemic numbers.
• Type 2 Diabetes - Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of diabetic diagnoses in the world.

10 Common Health Issues Associated with Diabetes

There are number of health issues that are associated with diabetes; especially if your diabetes is not well-controlled. Health problems or an increased of the following health problems can occur if you have diabetes.

1. Heart Attack (Cardiovascular disease)
2. Stroke
3. Kidney Disease
4. Vision Complications
5. Blindness
6. Nerve Damage
7. Skin Sores
8. Itching
9. Decreased Healing Abilities
10. Dental Problems

World Health Day 2016 - Diabetes Solutions

Fortunately, changing to a healthier lifestyle can help control or even reverse the effects of diabetes. The top reasons for the increase in diabetes are very simple; increased weight/obesity and lack of activity.

• Diet - Eating a well balanced diet is one of the key ways to prevent and control diabetes.
• Weight Control - Controlling your weight and preventing childhood obesity can be one of the biggest components in helping to prevent you and your family from becoming diabetic. It's important that you keep from sudden weight gain and obesity.
• Exercise - Understanding that most any activity can be considered "exercise" is important (walking, chair exercises, yoga, using soup cans to help maintain muscle, etc). This means that you do not have to join gyms or buy expensive equipment in order to get moving and the city of Chicago offers a number of senior programs to help increase daily activities with their satellite senior centers.
• Fiber - Increasing your intake of fiber can also help decrease your risk of diabetes and help to control blood sugar levels according to WebMD.
• Be Informed - From keeping track of your blood sugar levels to participating in local American Diabetes Association activities and classes, it's important to stay informed!

As part of World Health Day 2016Senior Living Experts would like you to know that we have many options to help seniors who have diabetes; from in-home nursing and caregiving to help in finding assisted living options that would work for you.

World Health Day 2016 is being celebrated on April 7 to Bring Diabetes Awareness to you.

Cited works:American Diabetes Association WHO - World Health Day 2016 - Diabetes City of Chicago - Home PagePhoto stevepb / Pixabay