World Diabetes Day (November 14, 2023)

 World Diabetes Day

Researched by Dr Abe V Rotor

World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign focusing
on diabetes mellitus and is held on 14 November each year.  In 2014, 8.5% of adults aged 18 years and older had diabetes. In 2019, diabetes was the direct cause of 1.5 million deaths and 48% of all deaths due to diabetes occurred before the age of 70 years. Another 460 000 kidney disease deaths were caused by diabetes, and raised blood glucose causes around 20% of cardiovascular deaths (1). Wikipedia

Key facts

·        The number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. Prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.

·        Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.

·        Between 2000 and 2019, there was a 3% increase in diabetes mortality rates by age.

·        In 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes caused an estimated 2 million deaths.

·        A healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use are ways to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.

·        Diabetes can be treated and its consequences avoided or delayed with diet, physical activity, medication and regular screening and treatment for complications.

Acknowledgement: Internet, Living with Nature Series