World Diabetes Day 2024: Date, history, theme, significance of the day

Diabetes has been on the rise at an alarming rate across the globe. With each passing year, the chronic disease has been broadening its impact, as more and more people are getting diagnosed with and battling with its many complications. A chronic disease, diabetes occurs when the pancreas is not able to make insulin or use it effectively. As the glucose remains in the bloodstream for a longer time and doesn’t reach your cells, it could lead to hyperglycemia. As diabetes cases are climbing up every year, it is important to raise awareness and take appropriate measures to nip it in the bud.

Date

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 to raise awareness around the disease and importance of its proper management, treatment, and prevention.

History

World Diabetes Day was established in the year 1991 by the

International Diabetes Federation

(IDF) and the World Health Organization, but it wasn’t before 2006 that it gained an official United Nations Day. The day is observed on the birthday of Dr. Frederick Banting, one of the scientists who helped co-discover insulin, a treatment for diabetes, to honour his contributions for the disease. The day since then has become the largest global awareness campaign for diabetes and observed by millions across the globe every year.

Theme

This year’s theme for World Diabetes Day 2024 is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.” The theme underpins International Diabetes Federation’s commitment to reduce the risk of diabetes and ensure that all people diagnosed with diabetes have access to equitable, comprehensive, affordable, and quality treatment and care. Addressing diabetes early and managing it well can ensure better quality of life to people with this disease.

How diabetes affects Americans

Diabetes affects 38.4 million people in the United States, or 11.6% of the population, as of 2021. Of these, 29.7 million have been diagnosed, while 8.7 million remain undiagnosed. Diabetes can secretly and slowly damage many body functions. It is known for impacting the heart, damaging nerves, and causing kidney issues. As per WHO, its prevalence is highest among American Indian and Alaska Native adults (13.6%). Non-Hispanic Black adults (12.1%) and Hispanic adults (11.7%) rank next. The economic burden of the disease is substantial and in 2022, diagnosed diabetes cost the U.S. $412.9 billion, out of which $306.6 billion was spent in direct medical expenses and $106.3 billion in lost productivity.

Significance of World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day aims to raise global awareness about type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes,

gestational diabetes

and other lesser known types of diabetes such as MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) and LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). Equipped with the right knowledge and information about the disease, it is easier to manage and treat it well. On this day, several campaigns, events and outreach programmes are organized to develop a deeper understanding of the disease and empower people to take charge of their health. Diabetes can be tackled by incorporating the right lifestyle measures, regular medications, reducing stress and monitoring it regularly.

Symptoms of diabetes include excessive urination, excessive thirst, weight loss despite eating normal or more than normal amounts of food, feeling tired and weak, feeling irritable, having blurry vision, slow healing sores, getting a lot of infections among others.

Causes of diabetes

Diabetes can occur due to a range of reasons. Type 2 diabetes is due to insulin resistance and obesity, physical inactivity, poor diet, hormonal imbalances, genetics, and certain medications are the potential causes. Type 1 diabetes and LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults) occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Gestational diabetes is common during pregnancy. This form of diabetes get cured after delivery. Certain hormonal issues can also lead to Type 2 diabetes. Injury to the pancreas from certain health conditions, surgery, or injury can be the cause behind Type 3c diabetes. Specific genetic mutations can cause MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) and neonatal diabetes.