Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day is commemorated. This disease is the second cause of death in Mexico, according to Inegi data in 2022. It is estimated that about 420 million people in the world live with diabetes, according to the Pan American Health Organization. However, they could be much more because 40% of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition.
People living with diabetes are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill and dying from other diseases:
Diabetes is among the top five health-related risk factors for tuberculosis.
- Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness in people ages 40 to 74.
- Depression is twice as common in people with diabetes than in those who do not have it.
- The stress and anxiety caused by living with diabetes have a negative impact on the evolution of the disease due to insufficient self-care, lack of adherence to treatment, and episodes of hypo- or hyperglycemia.
- People living with diabetes have up to three times the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, kidney disease or cancer.
- People living with diabetes have double the risk of developing severe illness and dying from COVID-19.
Why is Diabetes Day celebrated?
The goal of World Diabetes Day is to raise awareness about diabetes, its causes, symptoms, complications and ways to prevent it. It also seeks to improve the care and treatment of people affected by diabetes. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to highlight particular aspects related to diabetes, and activities are carried out globally to involve the community, health professionals, policy makers and the general public in the fight against diabetes. diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people around the world, and its prevalence is increasing. Awareness and education are critical to addressing this public health issue and encouraging healthy lifestyles to prevent type 2 diabetes and improve diabetes management in those who already have it.
What day is World Diabetes Day celebrated?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14. It was established by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, in response to the increasing risk of diabetes around the world. The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1921.
What to do on World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated to raise awareness about diabetes and promote actions to prevent and manage this disease. Here are some suggestions on what you can do on this day:
1. Dress in Blue: Blue is the official color associated with diabetes. Wearing blue clothing is a simple but effective way to show your support and raise awareness about diabetes.
2. Participate in Local Events: Look for events organized in your area for World Diabetes Day. There may be informational talks, health fairs, walks or races to raise funds. Participating in these events will allow you to learn more about diabetes and connect with other people interested in health.
3. Share Information: Use your social networks to share relevant information about diabetes. You can share statistical data, prevention tips, healthy recipes or inspiring stories from people living with diabetes.
4. Organize Educational Activities: If you are part of a community, school or workplace, consider hosting diabetes education activities. You can invite health professionals to give talks, perform glucose tests, or distribute informational materials.
5. Make Donations: Many charities and foundations work on research and support for people with diabetes. You may consider making a donation to contribute to these efforts.
6. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: World Diabetes Day is a good time to reflect on your lifestyle habits. Consider adopting a healthier lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and stress management.
7. Talk about Diabetes: Talk to friends, family, and colleagues about diabetes. Raising awareness is key to combating stigmatization and fostering understanding of this disease.
Remember that World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to learn, educate and act. Any small contribution, whether on a personal level or by participating in community events, can make a difference in the fight against diabetes.
What is the symbol for diabetes?
The internationally recognized symbol of diabetes is a blue circle. This blue circle was adopted as a global symbol of diabetes in 2006 to commemorate World Diabetes Day. The circle represents unity and solidarity in the fight against diabetes.
World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14 each year, uses this symbol to raise awareness about diabetes and to unify the global community dedicated to the prevention and management of this disease. You can see the blue circle in various diabetes-related campaigns, events, and promotional materials.
Why is the symbol for diabetes a blue circle?
The blue circle was adopted as the international symbol of diabetes to commemorate World Diabetes Day and to provide a unified visual symbol to represent the global fight against this disease. This symbol was chosen for several reasons:
1. Universality of the Circle: The circle is a universal symbol of unity, wholeness and life. Being a simple and recognizable shape, it represents global unity in the fight against diabetes and the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling this disease.
2. Color blue: The color blue was chosen because it is the official color associated with diabetes. The choice of blue was made to highlight the importance of solidarity and awareness around diabetes. In addition, the blue circle was intended to be a striking and easily identifiable symbol.
3. Visibility and Recognition: By adopting a common symbol, it is easier to raise awareness around the world. The blue circle is used in campaigns, events and educational materials to ensure rapid identification and global recognition of the fight against diabetes.
In summary, the blue circle was chosen as a symbol of diabetes due to its simplicity, universality, and the association of the color blue with this disease. This symbol has become a recognizable emblem in raising awareness and supporting the community of people affected by diabetes.
Who gave its name to diabetes?
The term “diabetes” has its roots in ancient Greek. It was the Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia who, around the 2nd century AD, coined the term “diabetes.” Aretaeus used this word to describe a condition in which patients experienced excessive water loss, resulting in constant thirst and increased excretion of urine. The term “diabetes” comes from the Greek “diabaino”, which means “to pass through” or “siphon”, referring to the excessive flow of urine.
At the time, Aretaeus had no knowledge of the underlying cause of the disease or the distinction between different types of diabetes as we understand it today. The modern understanding of diabetes, its causes and treatments, has evolved considerably over the centuries, and the disease has been the subject of extensive research and medical discoveries.
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