Bitterness of "Sweet Disease"

Since 1950 every year on April 7 the World Health Organization has marked the anniversary of the WHO founding day in 1948. Every year the World Health Day is marked, which highlights one of the priority areas of WHO work.

In 2016, the World Health Day topic is diabetes, which, according to statistics, affects about 347 million people. The growth of the disease occurs in low- and middle-income countries. WHO predicts that by 2030, diabetes will become the seventh leading cause of death.

It is a chronic disease that develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and gives us the necessary energy for life. If it cannot get into the cells, where it is oxidized as energy, the sugar content in the blood increases to dangerous levels.

The objectives of World Health Day in 2016 are to raise awareness of the growing diabetes burden and its consequences and, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

The diabetes problem is also topical for Azerbaijan. Currently, about 7% of the country’s people, but when you consider the hidden forms of the disease, the 13% of the population is covered by diabetes. And it predicts a further increase if no urgent action is taken to eliminate the causes of this disease As for the causes of the disease, they are as hereditary as well as social. Full recovery from the disease is impossible, but life with it is possible if the doctor's prescriptions are accurately observed. Exercises and walking at a distance of 7-8 km are the best solution to the problem.

Diabetes is not simply a disease, but a lifestyle. If you are optimistic, it will always be easier to overcome the disease. You can live with this disease for long, as it all depends on the patient's attitude to the problem. As for the financial side of the treatment, in Azerbaijan it is free, because there is a state program. Medications and insulin for patients are provided free of charge in health centers and there are free community schools, where patients are taught.  Summer camps for children are organized in the health resort areas.

Keep in mind that a healthy diet is the prevention of disease. We need to abandon fast food, move more, and stop eating sweets. There are no base products for diabetics.

Diabetes is a disease that acts secretly, but surely. Incidentally, in the 70-80-ies of the 20th century in Azerbaijan the percentage of diabetics was only one percent. The above figures are frightening, but also forcing people to be vigilant and mindful of their health. -0-