World Diabetes Day: 1000 actions to help 400+m people

Government leaders urged action with UK Prime Minister Teresa May stating “healthy eating and lifestyle advice, weight loss and bespoke physical exercise programmes have been proved to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes…”.​

European ingredients giant Beneo urged industry to take up the challenge of helping fight rising rates of type 2 diabetes, which is influenced by diet and lifestyle.

Beneo referenced statistics showing about 160 million people globally (of about 415m with diabetes) could prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes with diet and lifestyle changes.

“We as an industry have the potential to play an important part in reducing the risk of people developing life threatening diseases such as diabetes, by creating and clearly labelling health-promoting, low glycaemic food and drink products,”​ Anke Sentko, VP of regulatory affairs & nutrition communication at the inulin, chicory and low-calorie sweetener player said.

The firm said an EU-approved health claim​​ for sugar replacement and blood glucose control “creates opportunities for manufacturers and retailers.”​

“With respective claims on pack they support non-diabetic, as well as diabetic consumers who want to follow a carbohydrate based and low glycaemic diet to manage their blood glucose level for maximum long-term health.”​

As part of an ‘Eyes on Diabetes’ campaign, the International Diabetes Federation​​, has emphasised the importance of early screening to reduce diabetes-related complications along with attentive blood glucose management.

Half of the estimated 415m people in the world with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Diabetes is linked with chronic disease like blindness, kidney failure, obesity and heart disease.