Go Blue for World Diabetes Day

November 14 is World Diabetes Day, the main global awareness campaign of the diabetes world. Over 150 countries and territories across the globe will mark the day in one way or another as a moment to pause and recognize the over 285 million people living with diabetes. There will be special radio and TV programs, diabetes workshops and exhibitions, public information meetings, press conferences, newspaper and magazine articles, walks, runs, and cycles, special events for children, free screenings for diabetes and related complications, and many other activities to mark the day. Important monuments around the world will be specially lit up in blue in honor of diabetes recognition – blue is the official color of diabetes awareness. So if you see a building in your city lit up in blue, remember, its World Diabetes Day. Visit the website to find activities or lit monuments near you: http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/events/upcoming

World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to the growing concern regarding the spread of diabetes. It became an official United Nations Day in 2007. World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14 to honor the birthday of Frederick Banting, who helped discover insulin way back in 1922.

This year, the theme of World Diabetes Day is “Diabetes Education and Prevention.” Over the past 30 years the number of people living with diabetes all over the globe has skyrocketed, with severe consequences for healthcare budgets worldwide. Over 285 million people currently suffer from diabetes, but 344 million more are at high risk for developing the disease With enough knowledge of the diabetes, those people at high risk can make simple life changes that can significantly reduce their chances of becoming afflicted. By eating healthier and getting regular physical exercise, pre-diabetics can avoid become full-fledged type 2 diabetics. And, as for those already afflicted with the disease, continual education is essential to their treatment – though diabetics is a lifelong condition with no cure, effective management of the disease can help avoid almost all serious complications associated with the disease. It is vital that diabetics receive ongoing, high-quality diabetes education, so that they can manage their disease and live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.

Here's some interesting information from the World Diabetes Day website:

Did you know?

* Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.
* Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes.
* Each year a further 7 million people develop diabetes
* Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease.
* Each year 4 million deaths are attributable to diabetes
* All diabetes is on the rise
* Diabetes affects people of all ages
* Care for people with diabetes is best when a multidisciplinary approach is adopted involving health professionals from all areas
* Access to appropriate medication and care should be a right not a privilege
* Diabetes costs more than money
* Up to 60% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented
* Diabetes brings different challenges at different ages
* Diabetes hits the poorest hardest.

Visit the official website to find out more about diabetes, this year’s campaign, and how you can get involved: http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/

Also, visit the Healthline Diabetes Learning Center to find detailed information on all types of diabetes and treatment options: http://www.healthline.com/channel/diabetes.html

Labels: diabetes, world diabetes day

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