Diabetes is a metabolic disease that occurs due to absolute insulin deficiency (type-1 diabetes) or inadequate insulin secretion or action (type-2 diabetes). Insulin is needed for entry of glucose into the cells after food metabolism which is hampered in diabetes, resulting in increase blood glucose level.

Diabetes, especially the type-2 diabetes is a global epidemic. The largest increase in the number of patients will be in rapidly developing countries like Bangladesh.

The age of onset of diabetes is also decreasing. So more young people of working age group are now affected by diabetes. Like other non communicable diseases, the treatment of diabetes is expensive, because diabetic patients need treatment of diabetes as well as associated other diseases. The increase in diabetes prevalence, especially among young and economically active people is leading to an escalation of health care costs and loss of economic growth.

In response to growing concerns about rapid rise of diabetes around the world, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) celebrate World Diabetes Day every year on November 14.

Rapid nutritional transition and socio-economic development lead to over-nutrition and sedentary lifestyle. Advance technology like working in front of computer for long time, playing video games, watching television etc. keep people away from physical exercise. On the other hand, due to globalisation people are habituated in fast food. Unhealthy lifestyle and unhealthy diet leads to increase in the prevalence of overweight, obesity and type-2 diabetes.

The theme of world diabetes day from 2014 to 2016 is 'Healthy living and diabetes'. According to IDF, a healthy diet containing leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, whole grains, lean meat and unsweetened yogurt can help reduce risk of type-2 diabetes and reduce the complication.

Healthy living means healthy eating and exercise. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Physical exercise is also important to control blood glucose along with or without medications and healthy eating. It may be done by brisk walking for 20-30 minutes daily.

Diabetes cab be controlled. So we should adopt a healthy lifestyle. But it is not so easy. For this, mass awareness is needed.

The writer is an Endocrinologist at Central Hospital, Dhaka. E-mail: marufamustari@yahoo.in