World Diabetes Day

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Held on 14th November every year

Diabetes is the common name for a range of conditions including Diabetes mellitus type one and Diabetes mellitus type two, Diabetes insipidus and gestational Diabetes. These are all conditions, which affect how the pancreas (an organ in the digestive system) secretes insulin or how the body reacts to this hormone. Depending on the type and severity, Diabetes is controlled by dietary measures, weight loss, oral medication or injected or inhaled insulin. There is a wide range of short and long-term complications of Diabetes including foot and eye problems and vascular diseases. It is estimated that one in three residents of the United States will develop Diabetes at some point in their life. In response to this deadly condition World Diabetes Day is held on November 14 each year. The day aims to increase an awareness of the effects of Diabetes and its complications amongst the general population and professionals in a range of sectors. It is also hoped that the increased awareness will lead to more resources to fight the causes of Diabetes and help fund research into improved treatment options.

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. On December 20, 2006, the United Nations (UN) passed the resolution 61/225 to designate November 14 as World Diabetes Day. The occasion aimed to raise awareness of Diabetes, its prevention and complications and the care that people with the condition need. Governments, non-governmental organizations and private businesses are encouraged to increase awareness of the disease, particularly among the general population and the media. World Diabetes Day was first commemorated on November 14, 2007.

The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations around the world, including the American Diabetes Association, Diabetes UK, Diabetes Australia, the Canadian Diabetes Association, Diabetes South Africa, Diabetes New Zealand and the Diabetic Association of India. These organizations arrange events at international, national and local levels. Civil leaders around the world issue proclamations on World Diabetes Day to raise awareness of Diabetes in their communities.

Events May Include:

  • Conferences, workshops and seminars for health and public policy professionals.
  • Distribution of information to encourage at risk individuals to be screened for Diabetes.
  • Events to highlight Diabetes in local and national media, including television, newspapers and Internet publications
  • Bike races to increase awareness of Diabetes.
  • The distribution of geocoins for use in geocaching (a game for global positioning systems users).

Symbol

The official UN symbol for Diabetes is a simple ring in the same shade of blue as is used on the United Nations Flag and many other United Nations symbols, also known as "Pantone 279". The inner diameter of the ring is 70 percent of the outer diameter. The ring is used in combination with the slogan "unite for Diabetes", where the letters "U" and "N" of the word "unite" are also in UN blue colour and the other letters are in black. The ring symbol was chosen because it is easy to display and could even be painted on a wall or home-made banner. In addition, it occurs widely in nature and has been used in many cultures to symbolize unity, life, the globe and health.

Alternate Name - World Diabetics Day

Holiday Status - It is not a Holiday