Kathmandu. The World Diabetes Day is being observed across the globe today with various awareness raising programmes. The purpose of this day is to spread awareness about the risk, prevention and treatment of diabetes{

The Day was marked since 2007 at the call of the United Nations. The UN encourages all member states to formulate national policies in line with their health systems for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

According to the World Health Organization, in 2014, 422 million adults worldwide were affected by diabetes, compared to 10 in 1980. Diabetes, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle and lack of physical activity are the main reasons behind the rise in this disease. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and alcohol are the ways to prevent this disease.

The World Health Organization has stressed that every country should give priority to long-term health policies, public awareness and lifestyle-friendly environment to control the growing number of diabetes.