World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14th November. This day was chosen to mark Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday. It is observed annually in response to the growing public and economic concern over diabetes. It is an important day for spreading diabetes awareness as it has a presence in more than 160 countries and touches the lives of 100 crore people through its awareness campaign. The International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) founded World Diabetes Day in 1991 to highlight the rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes around the globe. After being adopted by the United Nations in 2006, World Diabetes Day was declared a day of global observance.
The date of November 14 was chosen to honor Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922. World Diabetes Day aspires to build a world where everyone can live a healthy, meaningful life free of the burden of diabetes by uniting people from all walks of life in a shared mission. This global project serves as a reminder that diabetes is a major public health concern. Diabetes is a chronic condition that must be managed on an ongoing basis, but with adequate education, access to medical care, and lifestyle modifications, people with diabetes can live full and productive lives.
World Diabetes Day is a major annual event aimed at raising diabetes awareness and promoting a better knowledge of the disease. This annual global campaign brings together individuals, healthcare professionals, organizations, and governments to advocate for improved access to diabetes prevention techniques and assistance for those living with diabetes. This day is devoted to educating the public on diabetes risk factors, symptoms, and management, as well as to emphasizing the significance of early diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao significant knowledge and devotion to improving diabetes care and promoting awareness make him an ideal partner in our mission to educate and support people living with diabetes.
Dr. Ravinder Singh Rao participation brings substantial credibility and expertise to our efforts as we endeavor to improve the lives of those impacted by diabetes around the world.
The Theme of World Diabetes Day 2023
This World Diabetes Day, officials have been urged to increase access to diabetes education and to help those living with the disease live better lives. The theme “Access to Diabetes Care” will concentrate on the millions of people with diabetes who do not have access to diabetes care. It is also suggested that governments increase spending on diabetes treatment and prevention. Patients with diabetes need access to more medications, supports, technologies, and care than are currently provided.
Significance of World Diabetes Day
- On World Diabetes Day 2023, WHO will emphasize not just the challenges, but also the solutions to increasing access to diabetes medications and services.
- On World Diabetes Day 2023, the WHO will hold a number of awareness programs to help people understand the fundamental causes of diabetes as well as preventive and control methods.
- Many education programs are conducted by WHO to create knowledge about diabetes.
- WHO also emphasizes nearby medical and treatment facilities for diabetic check-ups for patients.
- Diabetes organizations will provide free health checks on World Diabetes Day 2023. Regular health exams will aid in the prevention of diabetes.
- Every year, the WHO expands the number of diabetes treatment centers.
- Diabetes is a preventable disease by maintaining physical exercise and a good diet.
History of World Diabetes Day
Diabetes is a condition, but there is no permanent treatment. In 2006, World Diabetes Day was designated as an official UN day. The International Diabetes Federation founded World Diabetes Day in 1991 with WHO assistance in response to growing concerns about the health and economic danger posed by diabetes.
Diabetes is caused by inadequate insulin production by the pancreas. Insulin booster injection was discovered in 1921 at the University of Toronto by Sir Frederick G Banting (shown), Charles H Best, and JJR Macleod in order to meet Insulin secretion for the body, and it was later purified by James B Collip. It is one of the greatest discoveries. Insulin injections have been used as a treatment for patients with high blood glucose levels.
Importance of World Diabetes Day 2023
The World Diabetes Day awareness campaign reaches over one billion people in over 160 countries worldwide. It also acts as a platform for IDF promotional activities throughout the year, as well as a global motivator of the significance of focusing and coordinating efforts to treat diabetes as a severe global health concern.In 2007, the United Nations Diabetes Resolution was adopted, and a blue circle logo was designed to honor the occasion. The blue circle signifies the global diabetes community’s unification in response to the diabetes epidemic and is the universal symbol for diabetes awareness.
World Diabetes Day serves as a wake-up call to live a healthier lifestyle. Type II diabetes can be managed with a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Tobacco consumption worsens type 2 diabetes and should be avoided. The majority of people have type 2 diabetes, which can be avoided by making simple lifestyle adjustments and adopting healthy eating habits. Type 2 diabetes is projected to affect 10.2 lakh teenagers aged 0 to 19. 6 live births out of 2.1 crores have excessive blood glucose (hyperglycemia) during pregnancy.
How to Celebrate World Diabetes Day?
This day is observed by health organizations and professionals in the following ways:
1. The Blue Circle: The blue circle is a worldwide diabetes awareness symbol that individuals wear on their clothing. You can also make this insignia out of a blue ribbon and distribute it to others. In response to the dire circumstances, this emblem represents the global solidarity of the diabetic community.
2. Hosting a diabetes fair: Many people collaborate with health officials to arrange a diabetes expo at their workplace or residence. These events offer information and brochures on type 2 diabetes and its prevention. The fair also provides diabetes screenings.
3. Diabetes Testing: This day serves as a reminder that if you begin to suffer symptoms such as persistent hunger, excessive thirst, weight loss, or weariness, it is essential to get tested. Obese people are also more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes is divided into three types: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
1. Type 1 Diabetes: Although it can occur at any age, children and teenagers are the most commonly affected. In this type of diabetes, the body generates very little or no insulin. As a result, the body requires a daily injection of insulin to keep blood glucose levels under control.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: It is more prevalent in adults and accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases. This type of diabetes impairs the body’s capacity to adequately use the insulin it produces. A healthy lifestyle, increased physical activity, and proper diet are the cures for this. Some people may need to utilize oral medicines or insulin to maintain appropriate blood sugar levels over time.
3. Gestational Diabetes (GDM): Blood glucose levels rise during pregnancy with this kind of diabetes, causing complications for both the mother and the fetus. Gestational diabetes may go away after childbirth, but children and adults who have it are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
FAQs
When is World Diabetes Day celebrated?
World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14th. This day was chosen as World Diabetes Day to commemorate Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday.
Why is World Diabetes Day celebrated?
It is observed each year in response to the growing concern about health and the economic threat of diabetes.
Why is World Diabetes Day important?
It is believed that one in every two adults, or around 44% of the population, has diabetes and is undiagnosed.
What is the theme of World Diabetes Day?
The theme of World Diabetes Day 2023 is access to diabetes care.
What are the preventive measures we can take to fight this disease?
- Eat a small portion of a meal at a time.
- Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrate intake.
- Don’t take aerated drinks and other beverages.
- Quit smoking.
- Have proper blood pressure management.
- Do exercise regularly.
- Eat fiber and food that are low in the Glycemic Index.