World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14, draws attention to a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In its most common form, type 2 diabetes, prevention and care are directly linked to healthy eating habits and access to adequate nutrition. In this context, the WFP Center of Excellence against Hunger in Brazil reinforces the importance of food and nutrition security as a strategy to reduce the risk of chronic noncommunicable diseases.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use this hormone, which is responsible for controlling blood glucose levels. Before a definitive diagnosis, many people go through a stage of prediabetes, when blood sugar is high but does not yet characterize the disease. During this period, signs such as excessive thirst, increased hunger, and constant tiredness may appear, although they are often silent.
Prevention
Brazil has the Food Guide for the Brazilian Population, an international reference that values home cooking and the traditional Brazilian dish consisting of rice, beans, vegetables, and various proteins—a balanced, affordable, and nutrient-rich combination that helps prevent diabetes.
According to Eliene Sousa, a nutritionist at the Center of Excellence, everyday choices have a direct impact on health: “A diet based on fresh and minimally processed foods, with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains, is essential to prevent diabetes and other chronic noncommunicable diseases. Reducing the consumption of ultra-processed products with high fat content is an essential measure to ensure a healthier life,” she said.
Policy brief
The WFP Center of Excellence against Hunger in Brazil, in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Health and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, published the policy brief Addressing the Multiple Burden of Malnutrition, which reinforces the importance of intersectoral actions, focused especially on modifiable factors (social, environmental, behavioral) that can be modified, has the potential to generate a positive effect in preventing and addressing all forms of malnutrition and its implications for chronic noncommunicable diseases.
Access the full policy brief Addressing the Multiple Burden of Malnutrition