The World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, in response to the concerns arising as a consequence of increasing incidence of diabetes worldwide. This year, the motto of the day was “Diabetes: Know your risk, know your response.”
Why prevention matters
Diabetes is currently recognized among the epidemics of the 21st century. It is a chronic, incurable disease, with such possible consequences as strokes or heart attacks, but its consequences can be mitigated. For type 2 diabetes, preventive measures are primarily recommended.
What kind of measures are these? This is explained by Marianna Hall, PhD, from the Department of Human Nutrition:
– Many cases of type 2 diabetes are the consequence of unhealthy eating habits; therefore, by following the principles of a healthy lifestyle, the right diet and regular physical activity, you can mitigate the risk of its development. Knowledge of diabetes may be helpful in the diagnostic process and effective disease management, which is essential for preventing complications that may arise as a consequence of inadequate glycemia control.
What was happening during the campaign
At a stand built by the student groups (SKN), visitors could have their blood sugar levels measured and their body composition analyzed. There was also a presentation of a healthy plate and an opportunity to taste the foods from the plate: fresh vegetables and fruit. The students offered advice on composing a balanced diet and education on nutritional products administered orally, designed for diabetes patients. The student groups’ campaign was hugely popular among their peers. The preliminary results of measurements indicate that a large proportion of the tested subjects had normal body weight and optimum fatty tissue percentage in their bodies.
Among the partners of the event, there was the National Association of Fruit and Vegetable Producer Groups and the Polish Union of Juice Producers.
