World Diabetes Day Highlights “Silent Epidemic” as Cases Rise
Vienna, Austria – As World Diabetes Day approaches on November 14th, health officials are sounding the alarm about the growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, often called a “silent epidemic.” Awareness campaigns are underway throughout austria, spearheaded by the austrian Diabetes Society (ÖDG), hospitals, ÖGK self-help groups, and local representatives like Alfred Graf-Althon, to emphasize prevention and improve quality of life for those affected.
Diabetes mellitus is strongly connected to lifestyle factors – including being overweight, a lack of exercise, poor diet, and smoking – but also has significant genetic components, such as family history, age, and ethnicity. Pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, and vascular diseases further increase risk. The ÖDG’s November initiatives aim to educate the public about these risks and empower individuals to take proactive steps toward prevention and management.
Graf-Althon emphasizes that individuals can take several steps to mitigate their risk. These include attending diabetes education courses offered by various organizations (ordinations,ÖGK,rehabilitation centers,hospitals),actively seeking facts,adopting a healthier lifestyle with a focus on diet,exercise,and weight management,and adhering to prescribed medical treatments – whether tablets or injection therapy. Regular medical check-ups are also crucial for both self-monitoring and professional assessment.
Further information about diabetes can be found on the Austrian Diabetes Society website: https://www.oedg.at/.
