World Diabetes Day
Intro Copy
Today marks World Diabetes Day (WDD). The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) created WDD in 1991 in response to growing concerns about the health risks posed by diabetes. In 2006, the United Nations passed a resolution recognizing WDD as an official United Nations Day, to be observed annually beginning in 2007. WDD is celebrated on November 14th, in honor of Sir Frederick Banting’s birthday. During the summer of 1921, Banting and Charles H. Best conducted experiments on dogs that led to the discovery of insulin. Leonard Thompson was the first patient treated successfully in January of 1922. WDD aims to raise awareness about the effects of diabetes. The theme for WDD 2018-19 is “The Family and Diabetes.” The campaign aims to educate people about the impact that the disease has on the family of those affected and promote the role of families in the care, management, education, and prevention of diabetes. Below are some facts and statistics you may not know about diabetes: * There are three main types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the most common. According to the CDC, 90% to 95% of Americans with diabetes have type 2 diabetes, which can be prevented by losing weight, following a healthy diet, and regularly participating in physical activity. * Approximately 425 million people were living with diabetes in 2017. The number of diabetics is expected to increase to 629 million by 2045. * According to the CDC, over 100 million Americans had prediabetes (84.1 million) or diabetes (30.3 million) in 2015. 7.2 million U.S. adults living with diabetes were undiagnosed. 11.6 percent of American adults living with prediabetes knew they had the condition. If prediabetes is left untreated, it can progress into type 2 diabetes. However, if prediabetes is diagnosed early and lifestyle changes are made, it can be reversed. * In 2015, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. * Every year, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes. Learn more about diabetes through these websites available in SIRS Issues Researcher and ProQuest Research Topics available in eLibrary: American Diabetes Association Diabetes Diabetes Research Topic The Discovery and Early Development of Insulin Frederick Banting Research Topic Subscribe via email to Share This and never miss a post.