Each November, diabetes organizations around the world come together with the goal of raising diabetes awareness. Since 1991, the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization have recognized World Diabetes Day on November 14th.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is ‘Diabetes and Well-Being‘.
- 36% of people with diabetes experience diabetes distress.
- 63% of people with diabetes say that the fear of developing diabetes-related complications affects their well-being.
- 28% of people with diabetes find it hard to remain positive in relation to their condition.
Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition at home, work, and school. They must be resilient, organised, and responsible, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. Diabetes care often focuses only on blood sugar, leaving many overwhelmed. This World Diabetes Day, November 14, let’s put well-being at the heart of diabetes care and start the change for a better diabetes life.
If not now, when?
On their website, they provide a wealth of information including campaign resources and facts to help educate people about diabetes. For example, did you know that:
- Globally, over 537 million adults are currently living with diabetes
- 643 million adults are predicted to be living with diabetes by 2030
- Almost 1 in 2 people currently living with type 2 diabetes is undiagnosed
- 4 in 5 people with diabetes live in low and middle-income countries
- 6.7 million adults are estimated to have died due to diabetes or its complications in 2021
- Less than 1 in 4 family members have access to diabetes education programs
According to the American Diabetes Association, the disease is actually the 7th leading cause of death in the United States, and over 1.6 million Americans are newly diagnosed each year. In 2018, 34.2 million Americans, or 10.5% of the population, had diabetes. It’s unfortunately a very common problem, that people may not even realize they have.
What You May Not Know About Diabetes
Only about 5% of individuals with diabetes have type 1 diabetes. In this form of the disease, the body does not properly produce the insulin needed to break down carbohydrates from food into the sugars it needs for energy.
While thought of as primarily a “childhood disease”, type 1 diabetes can occur at any age.
People who are at a healthy weight can develop type 2 diabetes. Being overweight is a primary risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, but it isn’t the only factor. Other lifestyle factors like physical activity, and factors like genetics, age, and ethnicity also play a role.
Ask Your Doctor!
If you haven’t been, take the time to ask your doctor if you should be tested for diabetes. This is especially important if you are inactive, overweight, or have a relative with diabetes. Don’t be a part of the statistic of those who are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
