The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said more than 482,000 diabetes-related deaths occur every year in Southeast Asia, including India. WHO said countries in the Southeast Asia region have made significant progress in the provision of services diabetes managementHowever, better steps are still needed to promote prevention and control blood sugar status.

Diabetes is a condition in which your blood sugar (glucose) levels are high. A person usually develops the condition when their pancreas does not make enough insulin or does not make any insulin at all or when their body does not respond to the insulin produced by the pancreas.

According to WHO, as of June, more than 60 million people have been placed on protocol-based management for diabetes and hypertension. It is expected to reach 100 million by 2025. However, despite efforts, challenges remain. More than 260,000 children and teens with type 1 diabetes face limited access to insulin and monitoring.

Additionally, the incidence of type 2 diabetes is also increasing among youth in the region. “Bridging service gaps to ensure timely access to diabetes care can save lives,” said Saima Wajed, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director. Waze, speaking at the two-day regional commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024 under the theme ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’ in Colombo, Sri Lanka, called for making “care services equitable, comprehensive, accessible and affordable” for all.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a video message to the assembly that more than half of the 800 million people with diabetes “do not receive treatment.”

The WHO chief stressed the need to “accelerate efforts to meet global targets and ensure better prevention, diagnosis and management of diabetes”.

Although diabetes can affect people at any age, it can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes. Here are some ways to manage the situation.

follow a balanced diet

Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of vegetables. Limit refined carbs and sugars to keep blood sugar levels stable.

monitor blood sugar levels

Check blood sugar levels regularly to understand your body’s response to food, exercise and medication.

Exercise regularly

Include at least 150 minutes of moderate activity such as walking or swimming weekly to improve insulin sensitivity and control blood sugar.

take medications as prescribed

Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medications or insulin. Never skip a dose.

manage stress

Practice mindfulness, yoga or deep breathing as stress can increase blood sugar levels.

stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess sugar from your kidneys.

get regular checkups

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to monitor complications such as nerve damage, kidney health and eye problems.

Limit alcohol and quit smoking

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase risks such as diabetes-related heart disease.

maintain a healthy weight

Losing even a little weight can improve blood sugar control and reduce the need for medication.

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