WORLD DIABETES DAY

International Diabetes Federation (IDF)

In 1991, International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly created World Diabetes Day (WDD) in response to growing concerns about the increasing health threat caused by diabetes. Over 230 national diabetes associations of 170 countries and territories have joined hands to create IDF.

·        World Diabetes Day is a world’s largest global awareness campaign with a reach of over 1 billion people.

·        WDD is observed on 14 November every year, the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who in 1922 co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best.

·        In 2006, World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day.

According to the study:

·        1 in 2 people with Type 2 diabetes don’t know they have it.

·        Every 8 seconds, someone dies from diabetes.

·        Type 2 diabetes is preventable of over 50% detected cases.

Aim of World Diabetes Day

·        Diabetes is a life threatening disease that can cause serious health adverse conditions. The primary aim of WDD is to raise awareness of the impact of diabetes.

·        This year the theme is “Family and Diabetes’ that focuses and promotes the role of family in controlling, prevention and knowledge of the condition.

·        It draws attention towards the deadly diabetes and keeps in the spotlight of the public.

·        Taking care of the growing number of people with diabetes and those at risk WDD was created.  

·        Growing global campaign to promote the importance of taking coordinated actions towards this critical global health issue.

Logo of World Diabetes Day (WDD)

In 2007, a blue circle logo was adopted to represent the global campaign. The blue circle is used for the global symbol for awareness towards diabetes. It signifies the unity in response to the diabetes epidemic.

Every year, the World Diabetes Day campaign takes up a dedicated theme that they run for a year or more.

Steps to be taken against Diabetes as a family

·        First Step is to know about the risk of the disease.

·        Adopt a healthy and fit lifestyle.

·        Eat healthy meals and workout together.

·        Get the complete knowledge of the risks, warning signs, and preventive measures if anyone in the family is suffering from diabetes.

·        Families need to live in an environment that supports healthy lifestyles.

·        Daily treatment, regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle and ongoing education helps in managing diabetes.

·        Diabetes medications must be easily available and affordable.

·        Family support is the key.

World Diabetes Day is the day to realize the importance of healthy life and taking preventive measures against the escalating health conditions due to diabetes.

It is very rightly said that “Early detection is the best protection”. With joint efforts of the family keep maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle.