Since 1992, November 14th has been celebrated as World Diabetes Day. It is an initiative promoted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and established in response to the growing global incidence of diabetes.
This is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) which, if left uncontrolled, can over time cause serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
The number of people living with this condition has risen alarmingly: from about 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022. The incidence has increased in all countries, but more rapidly in low- and middle-income nations, where access to healthcare is often limited. In recent years, diabetes and related kidney diseases have caused more than 2 million deaths per year worldwide.
The World Diabetes Day project targets two main groups: the general population and institutions, with the aim of spreading information and strengthening prevention policies.
Diabetes is a complex disease that manifests in various forms, the main ones being type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It is essential that type 1 diabetes could be diagnosed very quickly, especially in children and young people, while for type 2 diabetes it’s important that institutions commit to developing and promoting effective prevention strategies.
References
World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetes
World Health Organization (WHO). Diabetes
