14/11/2020
WORLD DIABETES DAY
Diabetes is a serious epidemic and lifestyle disease affecting millions over the world.
1 in 2 people live with type-2 diabetes undiagnosed, and over 425 million people are affected by type-2 diabetes.
What are the Different Types of Diabetes?
The different kinds of diabetes in patients these days are:
1. Type-1 Diabetes
This is where the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to be able to regulate blood glucose levels.
2. Type-2 Diabetes
Also known as hyperglycemia, this is where the insulin produced in the body is unable to be utilized by the organs
3. Gestational Diabetes
This is a temporary diabetic condition that affects mostly pregnant women and doesn’t last long.
Importance of World Diabetes Day
It’s an event that’s co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation across 130 countries.
The day is dedicated to the spread of awareness, risks, and management of this disease.
Celebrated on 14th November every year, the day coincides with Frederik Banting’s birthday who is the man responsible for the co-discovery of insulin in 1922. Fredereik Banting co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best back in the day.
The aim of this day is to increase awareness of diabetes through campaigns.
World Diabetes Day is recognised by the ‘blue circle logo’ in both live campaigns and online.
History of International Diabetes Day
The history of International Diabetes Day traces back to 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation when growing health concerns regarding diabetes led to the creation of this day, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation. The day is regarded as an international event where millions over the world who have diabetes (or are simply curious to know) get together to learn more, share information and spread awareness about the condition.
When Is World Diabetes Day Celebrated?
World Diabetes Day is observed on 14th November every year across various countries. The day is also considered officially as a United Nations Day and has grown into a movement since its time of inception. Internationally speaking, World Diabetes Day is very popular and has garnered a lot of traction. The primary role of the campaigns is to support those and network with people who are susceptible to or are already living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
What Do People Do on This Day?
Some of the activities and things people do on the diabetic awareness day are:
Spread awareness about World Diabetes Day campaign.
Talk about how to lead a healthier lifestyle, prevent diabetes or lower one’s risk.
Cover lifestyle changes which inhibit the development of diabetes like yoga, physiotherapy, meditation, nutrition, etc.
Exhibitions and conferences which cover a wide range of diabetes-related topics and includes meetups.
Medical professionals and diabetic member associations get together in this event to network, support, and provide help or assistance to anyone living with this condition.
Famous buildings and monuments are lit up in blue to signify and spread the awareness about the event. In the past some of them were the Sears Tower and the Brisbane City Hall.
World Diabetes Day 2020 Theme
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2020 is ‘The Nurse and Diabetes’ The theme focuses on the role of nurses in the management of diabetes. Topics related to the prevention, management, and care of this disease are also covered and the diabetic awareness campaign will be encompassing the education and awareness of this disease.
What Steps Are Being Taken Across the World to Fight Diabetes?
Some of the steps being taken across the world to fight diabetes are:
Campaigns are involving schools and meetings with parents. Interactions with the public in these help spread awareness about nutrition and about the early preventive steps to take that make sure kids don’t get diabetes early on.
Blood tests and free consultations in campaigns help scan patients for diabetes.
Diabetics share their photos on Instagram and other social media apps and write two or three sentences telling what’s life like living with diabetes. Some of these photos are meant to inspire others and show that life doesn’t stop with diabetes.
Campaigns and outreaches educate the children. When the impact spreads to schools and the neighbourhoods on this day, many people become aware of it.
Life doesn’t end with diabetes and there is still hope. Although the condition is not reversible and once you get it, you have to live with it, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your quality of life. When you attend World Diabetes Day awareness campaigns no matter where you live, you get access to valuable information and resources. The events also help you learn about gluten-free nutrition, how to manage your diabetes and make tasty meals too, exercise and lifestyle tips and much more. And the best part is that you can take your family with you too and learn together more about information that could save your life.
