World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14, and calls upon those managing diabetes to understand the condition, know the risks, and take control.
With India heading to be the world no 1 in Diabetes prevalence we as doctors need to know how to manage as well as educate our diabetic patients. Here is an article released on world Diabetes day.

Team@CMHF

MANAGING type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an everyday challenge for anyone who has the condition. Most T2D patients have to consider not only the diabetes, but also other associated medical conditions, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Home monitoring and tests just add to the daily challenge of managing T2D.

The good news is that in most cases, type 2 diabetes can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. However, because T2D is a chronic disease, these lifestyle changes and medication regimes must become lifelong daily practices.

If not managed well, serious complications will arise, including possible kidney failure.

The key to effective T2D management is comprehensive glycaemic control of “the glucose triad”. This refers to blood glucose levels before and after meals. Then there is the long-term measure, known as HbA1c to the medical profession, which evaluates overall control of diabetes and risk of complications. There is a volume of evidence to demonstrate that comprehensive and tight glycaemic control can significantly reduce the risk of other associated diseases.

Managing glycaemic control can change one’s lifestyle totally as it involves diet and exercise, handling medication and monitoring one’s own blood glucose.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified four key non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as top global priorities – cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung diseases and diabetes. According to global WHO data, these key NCDs collectively kill three in five people worldwide.

World Diabetes Day is observed every Nov 14, and calls upon those responsible for health in general, and managing diabetes in particular, to understand the condition, know the risks and take control.

T2D is a condition where the person with the condition is in the driving seat. Effective T2D management starts with a visit to the doctor, compliance to medical therapy, and lifestyle changes. T2D patients and their physicians are empowered with a wealth of evidence-based information, treatment options, and a wide variety of physical activities to stay in good health, maintain well-being, and continue to be productive and active.

There’s no need to struggle daily – T2D patients have extra help at their fingertips.

Ref; http://thestar.com.my/health/story.asp?file=/2011/11/13/health/9880223&sec=health