Thursday is World Health Day, and this year’s focus is on beating diabetes. On the eve of the occasion, the World Health Organization published its first global report on diabetes. It highlighted the need to step up the prevention and treatment of the disease.

The number of adults with diabetes has almost quadrupled worldwide since 1980, to 422 million, mostly in developing countries. Main reasons for the rise include obesity and a lack of exercise.

The WHO calls on individuals to pay attention to prevention and treatment. This includes more exercises and to reduce or avoid unhealthy food.

The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year. First held in 1950, the WHO organizes events related to a particular theme. The event is seen as an opportunity by the organization to draw worldwide attention to a subject pertaining to major global health importance.