World Diabetes Day – November 14th 2018
November 14th is World Diabetes Day. It was created in 1991 by IDF and the World Health Organization in response to the growing health threat posed by diabetes. WDD became an official United Nations Day in 2006 . It is celebrated every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
A Few Facts:
Over 425 million people are currently living with diabetes. Most of these cases are type 2, which is largely preventable through regular physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, and the promotion of healthy living environments. A key role in management is through family support.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it. Only about 5% of people with diabetes have Type 1.
1 in 2 people currently living with type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to prevent complications and achieve healthy outcomes. All families are potentially affected and awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors for all types of diabetes are vital to help detect it early.
Two out of every five women with diabetes are of reproductive age, accounting for over 60 million women worldwide. Women with diabetes have more difficulty conceiving and may have poor pregnancy outcomes. Without pre-conception planning, type 1 and type 2 can result in a significantly higher risk of maternal and child mortality and morbidity.
You can check out more information about World Diabetes Day here.
