What is World Diabetes Day? Diabetes-related events are held around the world

What is World Diabetes Day?

Hello, this is Fusubon Owner. Today, November 14th, is World Diabetes Day.

What is World Diabetes Day (WDD)?

World Diabetes Day, established by the World Health Organization (WHO), is celebrated on November 14th, the birthday of Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin.

It was established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO in 1991 and officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2006.

On that day, events where blue lights are lit up are held around the world, and diabetes-related events and symposiums are held around the time of World Diabetes Day.

The global diabetes situation

Current state of diabetes in the world

According to the 10th edition of the Diabetes Atlas, published by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in December 2021, diabetes continues to increase worldwide and remains a major global challenge to the health and well-being of individuals, families and societies.

Key findings for 2021 included:
537 million adults (aged 20-79), or 1 in 10, have diabetes . This number is projected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045.
More than four in five adults with diabetes (81%) live in low- and middle-income countries.
-Diabetes will cause 6.7 million deaths in 2021.
Diabetes costs the world at least $966 billion in medical costs, a 316% increase over the past 15 years.
541 million adults have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and are at increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

It is thought that the reason why there are more people with diabetes in low- and middle-income countries is because products that are high in sugar and carbohydrates are cheaper than vegetables that are high in protein, good quality fats (medium-chain fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, and omega-9 fatty acids) and dietary fiber and phytochemicals, and therefore are consumed more in low- and middle-income countries. In high-income countries, there is a higher proportion of people who consume protein, good quality oils and vegetables, and who go to the gym.

The current state of diabetes in Japan

Current status of diabetes in Japan

According to the Diabetes Survey (2016), it is estimated that just over 15% of Japan's total population is "people with diabetes" (approximately 10 million people) and "at risk of developing diabetes" (approximately 10 million people).

This figure is higher than the global average of 10%. This is thought to be due to the development of convenience stores and other outlets, which allow people to easily get high-sugar foods such as bread, rice balls, vegetable juice, and sweets at any time. Convenience stores and supermarkets often use sugar or glucose solutions as preservatives to reduce logistics and waste, so it is best to be careful about what you choose and how often you use them.

Thoughts on World Diabetes Day

Managing blood sugar levels after meals helps prevent all kinds of diseases

Only carbohydrates directly raise blood sugar levels, so if your pancreas is healthy, you don't need to restrict carbohydrates, but you should avoid products that spike blood sugar levels, such as sugar and glucose solutions.
People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or gestational diabetes should limit their intake of not only sugar but also carbohydrates.

I hope that sugar-free and carbohydrate-restricted diets will become more widespread in Japan as well, and that the number of diabetes patients will decrease even a little.
If this leads to everyone being healthy and working longer, which in turn leads to reduced social insurance premiums, increased revenue, and reduced expenditures, we will come one step closer to a sustainable society.
Fusubon will do its best to contribute in some way to creating such a society.

see you!