Saturday, November 14, 2009

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. This year sees the first of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention programmes. 


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


THEMES:


Each year World Diabetes Day is centred on a theme related to diabetes. Topics covered in the past have included diabetes and human rights, diabetes and lifestyle, and the costs of diabetes. Recent themes include:


2005: Diabetes and Foot Care

2006: Diabetes in the Disadvantaged and the Vulnerable

2007-2008: Diabetes in Children and Adolescents

2009-2013: Diabetes Education and Prevention






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