World Diabetes Day - 2009

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight. This year sees the first of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes.

World Diabetes Day is a campaign that features a new theme chosen by the International Diabetes Federation each year to address issues facing the global diabetes community. While the themed campaigns last the whole year, the day itself is celebrated on November 14, to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.

Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. The campaign slogan for 2009 is "Understand Diabetes and Take Control". Diabetes is difficult. The disease imposes life-long demands on the 285 million people now living with diabetes and their families. People with diabetes must deliver 95% of their own care, so it is of paramount importance that they receive ongoing, high-quality diabetes education that is tailored to their needs and delivered by skilled health professionals. In addition, IDF estimates that over 344 million people worldwide are at risk for type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in the many cases by helping and encouraging those at risk to maintain a healthy weight and take regular exercise.

The key messages for everyone are:
Know the diabetes risks and know the warning signs
Know how to respond to diabetes and who to turn to
Know how to manage diabetes and take control

Where is it celebrated?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated worldwide by the 212 member associations of the International Diabetes Federation in more than 160 countries and territories, all Member States of the United Nations, as well as by other associations and organizations, companies, healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes and their families.

Comments

Thanks for the info! I was just diagnosed as "borderline" so am checking out all sources via google.
 
N: Great post! Can't believe the number of people now diagnosed with diabetes!

I'm going on 19 years and thankfully, don't have any major complications. I work hard to control my food intake and exercise regularly to keep my sugar in check.

I think it's really important to understand that while we may have this chronic illness-it doesn't have us. It can be controlled and maintained. Yes, it takes a lot of work and effort, but it is worth it.

Unfortunately, people often feel overwhelmed and discouraged. We all go through it, because diabetes is a day to day thing. Sometimes it seems that the disease changes daily. If anyone wants to talk about it with me, feel free to send me a message. I'd be happy to give some of the tips that have worked for me or just to lend an ear! Take care.
 
When I went to the endocrinlogist I found a pamphlet that would be helpful for anyone who comes in contact with Diabetics. It is called Diabetes Etiquette. It was wonderful. I am taking my mom this morning and Iwill see if they have any more. I will share some of the points if they do.
 

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