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.

Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes:

• Eliminate sugar and refined carbs
• Work out regularly and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle
• Make water the primary beverage
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Quit smoking
• Eat a high fiber diet
• Optimize Vitamin D levels
• Take natural herbs, such as curcumin and berberine, that increase insulin sensitivity

Type 2 diabetes is not preventable for everyone. However, making healthy choices provides the best chance of not getting it. In the United States, 9 out of every 10 cases of diabetes can be avoided if the above lifestyle changes are implemented. Families, schools, workplaces, communities, and healthcare providers can all work together to make healthy choices easy ones.

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.

WORLD DIABETES DAY HISTORY

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.

Recent themes for World Diabetes Day include:

• 2018-2019: Families and Diabetes
• 2017: Women and Diabetes
• 2016: Eyes on Diabetes
• 2015: Healthy Eating
• 2014: Go Blue for Breakfast

The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23 is Access to Diabetes Care.

Millions of people with diabetes around the world do not have access to diabetes care.  People with diabetes require ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications.  We cannot wait any longer for: Medicine, technologies, support and care to be made available to all people with diabetes that require them.  Governments to increase investment in diabetes care and prevention.  The centenary of the discovery of insulin presents a unique opportunity to bring about meaningful change for the more than 530 million people living with diabetes and the millions more at risk.

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HOW TO OBSERVE #WorldDiabetesDay

To observe this day, many healthcare professionals, companies, celebrities, and politicians host a variety of activities to spread awareness about diabetes. To participate:

Learn more about both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by visiting http://www.worlddiabetes.org.

• Find out how to get screened for diabetes.
• Talk to your family and loved ones about diabetes prevention.
• Encourage one another to make healthy choices.
• Wear blue for diabetes awareness.
• When sharing on social media, use #WorldDiabetesDay.