Diabetes Awareness is a public health campaign that aims to raise awareness about diabetes, its causes, symptoms, and complications, and to promote early detection, prevention, and management of the disease.
Diabetes Awareness was first launched in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), and has since been observed annually on November 14th, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921.
The campaign is supported by a network of national diabetes associations, healthcare providers, and patient organizations, and features a range of educational and awareness-raising activities such as media campaigns, events, and advocacy initiatives.
The goal of Diabetes Awareness is to reach as many people as possible with the message that diabetes is a serious and growing public health problem that requires collective action and sustained efforts to prevent and manage.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for diabetes research, education, and prevention, and provides support and resources for people with diabetes and their families.
Diabetes UK is a charity organization that works to prevent, manage, and cure diabetes, and provides information, guidance, and support to people affected by the disease in the UK.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that works to promote public health, prevent disease, and improve global health outcomes, including the prevention and control of diabetes.
Diabetes Awareness provides a range of educational resources, such as brochures, pamphlets, fact sheets, and videos, to help people learn more about diabetes, its risks, symptoms, and management strategies.
Diabetes Awareness organizes and supports a range of community events, such as health fairs, awareness walks, and seminars, to raise awareness about diabetes, promote healthy lifestyles, and provide support and resources for people with diabetes and their families.
Diabetes Awareness engages in advocacy initiatives at the local, national, and international levels to promote policies and programs that support diabetes prevention, management, and care, and to address the social determinants of health that contribute to the diabetes epidemic.
There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that usually develops in childhood or adolescence, and requires lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that usually develops in adulthood, and is often linked to unhealthy lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery, but increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes later in life.
The symptoms of diabetes may vary depending on the type of diabetes and the individual's age, health, and other factors. Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. However, some people with diabetes may not experience any symptoms, especially in the early stages of the disease.
Diabetes is usually diagnosed with a blood test that measures the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The most commonly used tests are the fasting plasma glucose test, the random plasma glucose test, and the oral glucose tolerance test. In some cases, a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test may also be used to measure the average level of glucose in the blood over the past 2-3 months.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent diabetes, there are many lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or delay its onset, such as maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, eating a balanced and healthy diet, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress. For people with prediabetes, lifestyle changes can also help prevent or delay the progression to Type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes can lead to a range of long-term complications if left uncontrolled or poorly managed, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision loss, and foot ulcers. However, with proper treatment and self-management, many of these complications can be prevented or minimized.