Today is annual World Diabetes day. This day aims to promote awareness and spread messages internationally about the condition. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 425 million people are living with diabetes globally. And by 2045 the number will rise to 629 million.

World Diabetes Day is co-ordinated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) who created the campaign in 1991 in response to the rapid growth of diabetes around the world. It is held on November 14^th because it is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the man who discovered insulin in 1992 with Charles Best.

Every year a theme is put in place by the IDF for the occasion. This years’ is “The Family and Diabetes”. It was established to highlight the effects of the disease on not only individuals, but the families and support systems of those affected.

It also promotes the roles of the families when it comes too management, education, prevention and care of the disease.

Diabetes occurs when the body is unable or overly able to produce the required amount of insulin to control the blood sugar levels.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1, where the body does not produce enough insulin. The immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Although this type can appear at any age, it is usually diagnosed in young adults and children. This requires a day-to-day intake of artificial insulin from insulin pumps or injections.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It is when the body does not use or make insulin well. This can develop at any age, although it is prominent in middle-aged and older people. This is usually managed in the form of medicine and control over the diet.

The common types of diabetes are gestational, monogenic diabetes, which is an inherited form of diabetes, and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes.

Heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage and foot damages are among the risks associated with diabetes in the long term.

World Diabetes Day is a global event that joins medical professionals and individuals from all over the world, it occurs in over 160 companies and 200 diabetic member associations. Famous buildings such as; the London and the Sears Tower have been lit up to commemorate this day.

To get involved you can share key events and messages to promote diabetes by using the hashtag #WDD2018!

References

• Statista. (https://www.statista.com/topics/1723/diabetes/). Diabetes – Statistics & Facts
• Diabetes.co.uk. (https://www.diabetes.co.uk/World-Diabetes-Day.html). World Diabetes Day
• Diabetes Self-Management. (https://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/getting-ready-for-world-diabetes-day-2018/). September 11, 2018. Getting Ready for World Diabetes Day 2018.
• Awareness Days. (https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-diabetes-day-2018/). World Diabetes Day 2018.