November 14 is the day when millions around the world come together to raise awareness about diabetes, the silent killer of the modern day world. It’s a global campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
The theme of World Diabetes Day 2016 is eyes. Diabetic retinopathy, which affects the retina of the eye, is the most common cause of vision loss and the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults. This year’s activities will focus on promoting the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.
Of the 415 million adults worldwide living with diabetes in 2015, over one third will develop some form of diabetic retinopathy – a complication of diabetes that can lead to vision impairment and blindness. More than 93 million adults, or one in three, currently living with diabetes, have diabetic retinopathy.Early detection and timely treatment of diabetic retinopathy can prevent vision loss
Every week, diabetes leads to 138 lower limb amputations, 1400 cases of heart failure and over 540 strokes. Diabetes is a huge and growing load. 415 million adults were living with diabetes in 2015 and this number is expected to increase to around 642 million or one in ten adults by 2040. ( Here is a fact sheet on diabetes released by the WHO)
There are two types of Diabetes:- Type 1 diabetes also called juvenile diabetes,which is common(more than 1 million cases per year,India). In this, the body does not produce insulin, it can’t be cured, but treatment may help. And
Type 2 diabetes, also called adult onset diabetes, is very common (more than 10 million cases per year lndia). It is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose). It is treatable by a medical professional.
One in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present. Up to 70% of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles. With increasing levels of poor nutrition and physical inactivity among children in many countries, type 2 diabetes in childhood has the potential to become a global public health issue leading to serious health outcomes.
ln many countries diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and lower-limb amputation.
The diabetes campaign logo is a blue circle, adopted in 2007 after the passage of the UN Resolution on diabetes. It signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic. The World Diabetes Day is celebrated worldwide by the over 230 member associations of the International Diabetes Federation in more than 160 countries and territories, all Member States of the United Nations, as well as by other associations and organizations, companies, healthcare professionals and people living with diabetes.
