How to Support World Diabetes Day
The United Nations is Trying to Raise Awareness of Diabetes
Nov 13, 2008
The theme of World Diabetes Day for 2008 is “Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.” Last year’s theme was the same and because the threat continues to grow, the United Nations World Health Day planners decided to repeat the theme to encourage awareness and education. November is also Diabetes Awareness Month in the U.S.
Blue Lights and Candles
To help show support for this cause, many buildings and monuments all around the world will be illuminated with blue lights. The logo for World Diabetes Day is a big blue circle and a virtual blue candle signifies awareness.
Growing Threat
Diabetes is a growing threat to children and adolescents as well adults worldwide. The International Diabetes Federation reports that Type 1 diabetes is growing by 3% in children and adolescents each year. In pre-school children that number jumps to 5% per year. Type 2 diabetes is on the increase in children and adolescents as well.
As of 2008, nearly 440,000 children around the world are afflicted with Type 1 diabetes. The Federation estimates that nearly 200 children per day will develop Type 1 diabetes each year. This amounts to 70,000 children under the age of 15 who develop Type 1 diabetes each year.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is defined as a disease in which the body is resistant to or does not properly use (Type 2) or produce (Type 1) insulin. In very basic terms, insulin is a hormone which is needed to convert sugars, starches and other food sources into fuel for the cells. This fuel is needed for energy to sustain daily life. Medications are needed to either replace the insulin or to promote the production and proper use of the insulin that the body is producing.
At present, there is no cause and no cure for diabetes. Lifestyle, genetics and environmental factors do seem to have a strong influence however. Obesity and lack of exercise appear to contribute heavily to the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in children as well as adults.
Symptoms
In the U.S. alone, there are an estimated 5.7 million people who have diabetes and are not aware of it. Unless a dramatic event occurs, the symptoms can be overlooked or ignored. When the body has too much glucose, the symptoms can include:
- frequent urination
- unquenchable thirst
- fatigue and weakness
- tingling or numbness in the hands, legs or feet
- weight loss without trying (primarily in Type 1)
Persons experiencing these symptoms should report them to their health care practitioner. Diabetes can be diagnosed with simple blood tests.
Treatment
Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are treatable with a combination of diet, exercise, and a variety of medications. A well-controlled blood sugar is obtained through careful screening and adherence to this combination of life style changes and medications. With good control, the harmful effects of diabetes on the eyes, kidneys, heart, nerve and circulatory systems can be avoided.
More information about Diabetes is available from the American Diabetes Association. Information about how to support World Diabetes Day is available from the International Diabetes Federation.
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