World Diabetes Day

Article by Dr Deryck D. Pattron, Ph.D

Summary:Diabetes is currently one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As the world begins to recognize the public health significance of diabetes, it is hoped that though the observance of World Diabetes Day greater awareness is achieved through education, prevention and care particularly in disadvantaged communities. Recognizing diabetes as a global problem, it is necessary to adopt sustainable proactive measures by searching for and adopting solutions at the regional, national and local levels. This would serve to direct more applicable policy development and preventive care.

Introduction:World Diabetes Day 2006 marks 15 years of existence and establishment by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization. World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14, in an effort to increase global awareness and advocacy of diabetes. This year theme focuses on “Diabetes Care for Everyone”, in particularly vulnerable groups in disadvantaged communities.

Diabetes is becoming an emerging global epidemic and is of major public health concern and significance. WHO reported that in 2005, 1.1 million people died from diabetes. The exact number may be more than 1.1 million since diabetes may go undetected and the cause of death is often recorded as heart diseases, strokes or kidney failure. But, what is frightening is that the projected deaths from diabetes are expected to rise more than 50 % in the year 2016. It is further estimated that 80 % of diabetes deaths would be from upper-middle income countries a trend that is currently observed in low and middle income countries. The main reasons identified for the apparent increase in diabetes are the lack of awareness about diabetes, coupled with insufficient access to health services, physical inactivity, overweight, obesity and poor nutrition may lead to increased morbidity and mortality.

It is hoped through the celebration of World Diabetes Day that global communities may become more aware about diabetes and take the necessary proactive measures to prevent, reduce and eliminate the burden of diabetes. The awareness of diabetes campaign started on November 14th, aims to achieve the following:* Highlight and promote the concept that every person with diabetes or at risk of diabetes deserves the right to the best available education, prevention and care.* To target disadvantaged or vulnerable communities by improving access to diabetes education, prevention and care.* To increase the awareness of diabetes among the international community, local, both public and private organizations and all stake holders in an attempt to secure greater funding.* To increase social services with regards to increasing access to health services and the timely delivery of health care for all.* Encourage and stimulate valuable scientific enquiry into the socio-cultural origins of diabetes among disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.* To develop national sustainable policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes.* To support the United Nations Resolution on diabetes which invites and encourages all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other relevant international organizations, as well as non-governmental organizations to observe the World Diabetes Day in an appropriate manner, in order to raise public awareness on diabetes and related complications as well as its prevention and care including through education and the mass media (http://www.unitefordiabetes.org).

Conclusion:Diabetes can be prevented or controlled. Too many times diabetes may go undetected in poor and vulnerable communities because of lack of access to timely health care services, affordability, poverty and lack of knowledge or awareness. It is therefore imperative that better awareness, educational and preventive measures be adopted together with the development of strong social networks and social services to prevent the unwarranted escalation of diabetes.

Resources: Pattron, D. 2004. Recent Research in Public Health. New York: Scientific Publishers. http://www.who.int/diabetes http://www.unitefordiabetes.org