World Diabetes Day: Prevention is Key


Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes high levels of glucose in your blood because it can’t enter the body’s cells to be used as fuel for energy. This can make you feel tired, thirsty and urinate more than usual.

Diabetes is an illness which can cause serious health problems. It can lead to vision loss, blindness as well as kidney failure and also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

There are 2 types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes is when your pancreas isn’t able to make insulin and this condition can develop at any age but is more common in children and young adults.

Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or the insulin isn’t working properly. This is the most common type of diabetes and it tends to be associated with obesity and age.

Types 2 diabetes is largely preventable and you can reduce your risk by making lifestyle changes. If there is a history of diabetes in your family or you have concerns about your health, speak to your doctor. Find out more about type 2 diabetes and the symptoms on the NHS website.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated on the 14th November every year and is now a globally-celebrated event which increases awareness about diabetes. November 14th is a significant date in the diabetes calendar, because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best.

Comprising of hundreds of campaigns, activities, screenings, lecture, meetings and more, World Diabetes Day is proving internationally effective in spreading the message about diabetes and raising awareness for the condition.

We hope this article has helped raise more awareness of diabetes, inspired you to take action and improve your overall health. To find out more about how diabetes is a serious health issue that faces British men, have a look at our article for Men's Health Week.

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