It became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. It is marked every year on November 14th, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. The primary aim of the World Diabetes Day and World Diabetes Month 2019 campaign is to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and to promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of the condition.
The WDD 2019 has three main focus areas:
- Discover diabetes
- Prevent type 2 diabetes
- Manage diabetes
DETECTING DIABETES EARLY INVOLVES THE FAMILY TOO
One in every two people with diabetes is undiagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to helping prevent or delay life-threatening complications.
If diabetes is not detected early, it can lead to serious disability or death. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, amputation, heart disease, kidney failure and early death. Know the signs and symptoms to protect yourself and your family.
Managing diabetes requires daily treatment, regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle and ongoing education. Family support is key
All health professionals should have the knowledge and skills to help individuals and families manage diabetes
