World Health Day was celebrated yesterday, this year with diabetes as the central theme topic . The World Health Organization proposes to overcome this disease by raising awareness of its increase in the population and its consequences, as well as promoting a series of activities aimed at its prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. As the International Diabetes Federation points out, in 2014 around 400 million adults worldwide had diabetes, and by 2035 it is estimated that 640 million people could suffer from it.

Diabetes, along with other chronic diseases, represents today a threat both to the well-being of individuals and to the sustainability of healthcare systems. The management of this disease involves a challenge for the affected people demanding the adaptation of their life habits. Healthcare professionals constitute an important support source for the adequate management of this condition, as well as personal and community networks. It is essential to support and guide these people so that they can take the most appropriate decisions and actions aimed at promoting their health.

Without denying the importance of addressing diabetes and other chronic processes, it is necessary to focus on early actions aimed not only at preventing the development of diseases or habits conducive to them, but also to contribute to the development of resources that enable people to enhance their health and well-being, discarding the idea that in the absence of disease it is not necessary to act.

In this sense, childhood represents a stage in which, in general terms, one enjoys good health, and which at the same time is core topic for the growth of individuals. It is here that instructions can be established to learn how to face the challenges of life and also how to live healthily. It represents, therefore, an opportunity to reinforce the positive and promote that, on the one hand, children develop appropriate skills and attitudes and, on the other hand, provide resources that promote children's health. Thus, it is essential to work with the youngest children to favor the development of social and emotional competences related to lifestyles; and with parents and families to help them in their parental role, without forgetting such relevant contexts at this stage as the schools and communities in which they live.

Equipping individuals with the capabilities to cope with everyday situations is vital, but we cannot ignore the fact that the environments with which they interact must also be conducive to health. Adequate nutrition is considered fundamental to preserve a good level of health. For this, individuals must be aware of what makes up a diet of these characteristics and have the skills to translate into concrete actions that knowledge so that they can take control of their health and well-being. However, we must not forget the circumstances that are beyond the control of these people and that can limit the potential to develop a healthy life.

As important as raising public awareness of healthy eating is to promote availability and access to it. To give two examples, one could cite the recent approval in the United Kingdom of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to be paid by the manufacturers of these products, the ultimate aim of which is to reduce their consumption by the population. It is also worth mentioning the fact that healthy foods are often more expensive than less desirable foods such as processed foods.

Therefore, to beat diabetes we must continue to raise awareness and help people to assume and/or maintain a healthy lifestyle, but without forgetting that much can and should still be done to encourage healthy choices in the environments in which these people live and work.