World Diabetes Day was marked with various awareness programmes across the country on Saturday, under the theme “Timely Identification and Early Action for Diabetes Control”.

This day is observed worldwide every year on November 14th with the objective of raising awareness about diabetes, reducing risks, and improving access to prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Over the last decade, the prevalence of diabetes has risen rapidly in low- and middle-income countries compared to high-income nations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified excess weight and obesity as key contributing factors.

According to diabetes experts, diabetes is a major underlying cause of serious health conditions, including blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes.

It is also reported that type-2 diabetes can be prevented, or its risk significantly reduced, by maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical exercise, and avoiding the use of tobacco products.

Experts also suggest that the serious consequences of diabetes can be prevented or mitigated through timely detection, regular health check-ups, appropriate medication, and effective management of any complications.

Similarly, the necessity of adopting a healthy lifestyle to avoid developing the disease. While type-1 diabetes can develop rapidly, type-2 diabetes tends to progress gradually and may not present clear symptoms in the early stages; therefore, regular health screenings are essential, experts suggest.