November 14 is World Diabetes Day

Today is World Diabetes Day, a day that has become special to me because I am a Type I diabetic.  I begin today's observance by sharing the latest description from National Day Calendar.

Around the globe on November 14th, World Diabetes Day raises awareness and provides education concerning a disease that affects over 400 million adults internationally.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar levels. It is also a leading cause of blindness, amputation, heart disease, and kidney disease. Besides causing severe medical issues, the condition also causes millions of premature deaths each year. In fact, diabetes has become one of the leading causes of death around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that 1.6 million people died from diabetes in 2016. By the year 2045, approximately 629 million adults will have diabetes.

A large number of people affected by diabetes is a source of concern for global health care workers. Awareness, education, action, and research all can make a difference. In many cases, Type 2 diabetes is preventable.
...
While Type 1 diabetes is not as preventable, it can be managed well with insulin injections. Managing Type 1 diabetes might also require frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Education is key to learning how to manage symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.
...
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was founded in 1950 in Amsterdam. Together with the WHO, the IDF created World Diabetes Day in 1991. The goal was to raise awareness of the rising threat of diabetes around the world. In 2006, the day became one of the official United Nations Days. World Diabetes Day is held on November 14th each year to commemorate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin in 1922. Today, this day is observed in 170 countries and territories.

Now a visual presentation of the facts from Pharma Guide: World Diabetes Day 2018-2019: Everything you need to know in 2 minutes.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) started World Diabetes Day in 1991 in response to the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. It has since grown to become a globally celebrated event and an official United Nations (UN) awareness day. It is now the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign. Thousands of local campaigns, activities, screenings, meetings and more take place every year, all helping to raise awareness of a condition that currently affects over 420 million people, with many more at risk. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2018 and 2019 is ‘the family and diabetes’. With the tagline "diabetes concerns every family"

Here's to increasing not only my awareness of my condition, but also my readers.