THE BEST START

ABBOTT SUPPORTS WORLD DIABETES DAY 2014 MISSION TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHIER BREAKFASTS

The most important meal of the day – we’re talking about breakfast, of course – varies around the globe and across cultures. Breakfast is the nutritional start to every day, and is an important opportunity to choose foods that help us feel well and stay healthy.

Every November 14, Abbott supports the International Diabetes Federation’s World Diabetes Day (WDD) in honor of the people we serve. An estimated 347 million people worldwide have diabetes and 90 percent of those individuals have type 2 diabetes, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

This year, the IDF is working to educate people worldwide about the importance of breakfast – especially those that include protein, whole-grains, and limited saturated fats and sugars, which could potentially help reduce the growing, global incidence of type 2 diabetes.

Skipping breakfast is associated with weight gain, which is one of the main risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes, the IDF said. In fact, being overweight or obese accounts for up to 80 percent of new cases of the disease each year.

According to the IDF, as compared to meals high in carbohydrates and sugar, a “diabetes friendly” breakfast helps adults and children control appetite and blood glucose, and prevent weight gain. Specialized nutrition shakes or bars for those with diabetes - such as Glucerna - can also be a good breakfast option.

To see what people around the world eat for breakfast, click here. How does your daily breakfast compare to those in Malawi, Tokyo and Turkey?

Abbott has a long-term commitment to help people with diabetes reach their optimal health. This year, we celebrate WDD and the mission of better nutrition in the best way possible – with a healthy breakfast and the knowledge that we’re doing our part to stay well for ourselves and the world.