High blood sugar or a large amount of sugar in the blood leads to Diabetes Mellitus that can adversely affect almost any organ in a human’s body ranging from head to toe like brain stroke to foot or toe amputation. Therefore, looking at the severe impact the disease can have on us, World Diabetes Day is celebrated annually to raise awareness about the issue. Recognised as a global health issue, November 14 is marked as World Diabetes Day.
The day is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered the insulin hormone along with Charles Herbert Best in 1922. Experts estimate that around 463 million people globally will suffer from diabetes mostly with Type-2 diabetes that requires treatment with insulin with Type-2 diabetes accounting to be treated with insulin.
Health professionals say the number will continue to go up and because diabetes increases a person’s danger to early death, the immediate need to raise awareness about the metabolic disorder and tips on maintaining blood sugar levels are all-time high now.
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Theme - World Diabetes Day
“Access to Diabetes Care – If Not Now, When?”, is the theme for World Diabetes Day for the year 2021-23, spreading a timely message for diabetes care and urging people to be aware of the diabetes mellitus set of metabolic disorders so that they can safeguard themselves from the knowledge of the disease and get treatment, dietary changes, and exercise on time. The theme also aims at keeping both short-term and long-term blood glucose levels within adequate measures.
The campaign that was adopted in 2007 after the UN Resolution on diabetes was passed is represented by a blue circle logo, which symbolises global diabetes awareness. The logo also implies global unity in the diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic.
History - World Diabetes Day
Established by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1991, World Diabetes Day acknowledges the rising concerns about the increasing health threats that are caused by the disease.
The day was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2006 after a resolution was passed.
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Significance - World Diabetes Day
Learning more about diabetes mellitus ailment and actively taking the treatment is an important part since the disease complications are far less common and less serious in people who have well-managed blood sugar levels.
Some ways in which people can indulge in spreading awareness about diabetes can be by engaging with local or national policymakers to make sure that all people get access to the care they need with the disease. In schools, communities can organise events like ‘Learn about diabetes’ or can organise or participate in local diabetes awareness walks. In workplaces, employers can arrange activities with colleagues to raise awareness regarding diabetes.