Overview
Diabetes is known as a chronic metabolic disease, where blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels are higher than normal, which leads - over time - to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, if not controlled.
World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. In response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes, World Diabetes Day became an official day in 2006 and is celebrated every year on November 14, in memory of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness about the impact of diabetes in society, encourage early diagnosis, and support those affected.
- Awareness of ways to prevent diabetes or delay its onset, through eating a healthy diet and practicing physical activity.
- Enhancing the role of the family in health education in the treatment of diabetes.
- Prevention of its complications and raising awareness about the warning signs of infection.
- Providing medicines, technologies, support, and care to all diabetics who need them.
Facts:
- Diabetes has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide.
- According to the World Health Organization, around 1.5 million people worldwide died of diabetes in 2019.
- It is estimated that 537 million people are currently living with diabetes worldwide. By 2045, this number is expected to rise to approximately 783 million people with diabetes worldwide.
- Millions of people with diabetes around the world do not have access to diabetes care.
- People with diabetes need ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications.
- Diabetes caused 6.7 million deaths in 2021.
Official Date:
Globally: November 14th, 2023
Locally: Rabi’ al-Thani 30th, 1445H