Burgas will join the international initiative to mark World Diabetes Day, offering its residents the opportunity for free health consultations and blood sugar measurements on November 14th. The initiative, organized by the Directorate "Healthcare, Prevention and Social Activities" of Burgas Municipality, demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to improving public health and raising awareness about one of the most widespread chronic diseases globally. Partners of the municipality in this important campaign are the Association "Young Doctors"-Burgas, the Union of Paramedics in Bulgaria, the University "Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov"-Burgas, the Association "Insight-IPM" and ASM-Burgas.
The events are planned in two key locations in the city, with the aim of reaching the maximum number of residents.
Events Program
On November 14th, Friday, the health campaign starts at 3:00 PM at the "Morsko Casino" Cultural Center. There, within two hours, Dr. Dilyana Stoyanova, endocrinologist, will give a lecture, followed by a discussion and consultations. The topic of the lecture, "Health at work - together against diabetes", is aimed at medical professionals from children's and school healthcare.
Then, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the focus of the campaign will move to Mall Galleria. The atmosphere in the shopping center promises to be lively, with many people who will take advantage of the opportunities provided. During this period, blood sugar measurements will be offered, as well as consultations with specialist endocrinologists. Visitors will be able to receive information and advice on changing their lifestyle and the consequences of harmful habits on health, with an emphasis on the prevention and treatment of diabetes, as well as for the reduction of body weight in children and adults.
Diabetes as a Global Problem
Diabetes is emerging as a serious problem of modern society. It is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce insulin, or when the body cannot use it effectively. Insulin, a key hormone produced by the pancreas, allows glucose from food to pass from the blood into the cells to generate energy. When this process is disrupted, blood glucose levels rise, leading to hyperglycemia.
There are two main types of diabetes: type 1, which is more common in children, and type 2, which usually develops in adults.
Unfortunately, the chronic disease is taking on alarming proportions, turning into a global epidemic. Over 360 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes. The statistics are shocking: every 10 seconds, two people develop diabetes, and one person dies from this insidious disease. 7 million people get sick annually, including 70,000 children. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that by 2030, over 500 million people will be affected by type diabetes. In Bulgaria, according to statistics, about 600,000 people live with this diagnosis. Even more worrying is that nearly 40% of those affected are unaware of their condition.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Risk factors for developing diabetes include being overweight, heredity (having relatives with diabetes) and lifestyle. The latter includes diet, lack of physical activity and stress.
The consequences and complications of diabetes can be severe and have a significant cost both for the individual and for society as a whole. Late complications can include blindness, chronic kidney failure and vascular problems.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week. Regular exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling or dancing, can reduce the risk of diabetes by 35-40%. Research clearly shows that changing your lifestyle, including healthy eating and physical activity, can reduce the risk of developing diabetes by up to 58%.