Tomorrow is World Diabetes Day and we’re remembering the condition and its impact on the county.
The day is observed on November 14 every year to raise awareness around the globe about diabetes. It was created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to educate people about the different types of diabetes and how they affect different ages and groups, lifestyles, and the treatment options that are available.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024-26 is Diabetes and Wellbeing, focusing on the importance of wellbeing in diabetes care.
The day was established in 1991, when the number of people diagnosed with diabetes was rapidly rising around the world. November 14 was chosen as it was the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin in 1922.
World Diabetes Day was officially recognised by the United Nations as a UN Holiday in 2006, helping the global awareness campaign reach over one billion people in over 160 countries.
Its logo, adopted in 2007, is a blue circle on a white background which symbolises the global community coming together to respond to the diabetes epidemic.
Themes have ranged from ‘Protect our Future: Diabetes Education and Prevention’ in 2013, to ‘Women and diabetes – our right to a healthy future’ in 2017, and ‘The Nurse and Diabetes’ in 2020.
The day has never been more relevant as diabetes is growing around the world at a fast pace, affecting people of all ages.
There are three main types: type 1, type 2 and gestational, which occurs during pregnancy.
Type one diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system accidentally attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The exact cause is unknown, and it usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or an insulin pump to regulate their blood sugar levels because their bodies cannot produce insulin.
Type two diabetes is characterised by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and the pancreas eventually cannot produce enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. It is often associated with lifestyle factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet and can sometimes be managed by lifestyle changes.
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