World Diabetes Day is a global awareness day held on the 14th of November each year. In 2006, it was recognized as a United Nations Day. Since November 14th is the birthdate of Frederick Banting, the man who developed insulin, it was selected. The theme for this event is ‘Diabetes and Well-being’, which will be the focus for 2024–2026. The theme’s goal is to increase public awareness of mental, physical, and social well-being. Every year, World Diabetes Day is observed with the goal of increasing public awareness of diabetes and its effects on both individuals and societies. This day provides a forum for public education regarding diabetes care, prevention, and risk factors.
Additionally, it offers a chance to encourage frequent medical checkups and healthy lifestyle choices. On World Diabetes Day, individuals, organizations, and medical professionals get together to work together and promote improved access to diabetes support and care. This worldwide effort seeks to lessen the burden of diabetes and enhance the quality of life for individuals who are impacted by this chronic illness by promoting awareness and understanding. On World Diabetes Day 2024, Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao, a renowned cardiologist, emphasizes the critical connection between diabetes and cardiovascular health. He promotes greater awareness and aggressive blood sugar management to safeguard heart health because diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease.
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The Theme for World Diabetes Day 2024
The Theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is “Diabetes and Well-being”. Millions of people with diabetes around the world do not have access to diabetes care. To control their diabetes and prevent complications, people with the disease need constant care and assistance. The following will be the focus of the World Diabetes Day campaign for the upcoming three years:
- Physical Well-being: highlighting the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise in reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes and successfully controlling all types of the disease, as well as avoiding accompanying complications.
- Societal Well-being: Addressing the obstacles that prevent people with diabetes from living healthy, satisfying lives and promoting alternatives to get over them.
- Mental Well-being: Raising awareness of the need to include mental health care in diabetes management and treatment plans, as well as the stress, worry, and other mental health issues that come with having a chronic illness like diabetes.
Why is the World Diabetes Day Held?
In 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) partnered to create World Diabetes Day in response to the rising number of diabetes diagnoses. Since 1991, its scope has expanded to include activities all across the world, with the goal of raising awareness.
How is the World Diabetes Day Celebrated?
First and primarily through conversations, as raising awareness and educating people is the day’s primary objective. It’s celebrated in many ways, such as:
- Lectures, meetings, and conferences.
- Sporting events.
- Fundraising.
- Through various media.
- Exhibitions.
History of World Diabetes Day
In 1991, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) established World Diabetes Day. It was officially recognized as a United Nations Day in 2006. It is celebrated annually on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, a scientist who co-discovered insulin. Today,160 nations around the world celebrate World Diabetes Day to raise awareness of the disease.
Types of Diabetes- Type 1 and Type 2:
Type 1 Diabetes:
This is caused by inadequate insulin synthesis in the body and necessitates daily insulin injections. At this time, Type 1 Diabetes cannot be prevented, and its cause is still unknown.
- Symptoms: symptoms such as frequent urination, bedwetting, thirst, abrupt weight loss, persistent hunger, exhaustion, low energy, and changes in vision. These symptoms may appear suddenly.
Type 2 Diabetes:
This occurs when the body can’t use the insulin that the pancreas produces efficiently. This more prevalent kind of diabetes is mostly brought on by obesity and a lack of physical activity. Diabetes type 2 can be avoided.
- Symptoms:
Symptoms are similar but less obvious. Other symptoms include numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, recurrent fungal infections in the skin, and slow-healing wounds. Years after symptoms first appear, a diagnosis may be made.
What is the Purpose of the World Diabetes Campaign?
- To generate a platform, to promote the efforts of the international diabetes federation (IDF) throughout the year.
- Encourage the world to recognize diabetes as a serious global health concern and to make coordinated, concentrated efforts to combat it.
People must be made aware of the negative health effects of diabetes and how it is becoming more prevalent worldwide, impacting people’s health and undoubtedly being a significant global health concern. Together only we can fight the disease. Therefore, World Diabetes Day is observed annually on 14th November.
In 2007, with the adoption of the United Nations resolution on diabetes, the blue circle that represents the World Diabetes campaign emblem was adopted. Here, the blue circle represents a symbol of diabetes awareness. It emphasizes how crucial it is for the world’s community to come together in the fight against diabetes.
Some Facts about Diabetes
- Last year, 463 million persons, or one in eleven, had diabetes; by 2030, that number is predicted to increase to 578 million.
- The majority of persons with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, and 50% of them go untreated.
- 80% of people with diabetes are under 65 years old.
- In 2019, diabetes accounted for 10% of all healthcare expenditures worldwide.
FAQs
What is World Diabetes Day?
Every year on November 14th, people throughout the world commemorate World Diabetes Day to increase awareness of the disease and its effects on both individuals and communities. It seeks to advance policies that assist diabetes prevention and care while fostering better knowledge and management of the condition.
What is the theme for World Diabetes Day 2024?
The Theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is “Diabetes and Well-being”. Millions of people with diabetes around the world do not have access to diabetes care.
Why is November 14th significant for diabetes awareness?
The co-discoverer of insulin in 1922, Sir Frederick Banting, was born on November 14. In addition to recognizing his achievements to the treatment of diabetes, this day was selected to draw attention to the continued need for diabetes research and education.
What are the common symptoms of diabetes?
Diabetes frequently manifests as increased thirst, frequent urination, excessive exhaustion, hazy eyesight, delayed wound healing, and inexplicable weight loss. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
How can diabetes be managed effectively?
Diabetes must be managed with a mix of regular exercise, a nutritious diet, frequent blood glucose checks, and, if required, medication. It’s also essential to educate oneself on the illness and have regular communication with medical professionals.
What role does diet play in diabetes management?
A balanced diet is essential for managing diabetes. It entails eating a range of nutrient-dense meals, with an emphasis on whole grains, lean meats, healthy fats, and an abundance of fruits and vegetables. It also entails keeping an eye on carbohydrate intake to keep blood sugar levels steady.
