World Diabetes Day is held each year on November 14th. This date was chosen since it the birthdate of Fredrick Banting who discovered insulin, along with Charles Best. This day is celebrated world wide to bring awareness of diabetes. The 2010 campaign slogan is: “Lets take control of diabetes. Now.”
To improve diabetes awareness, several events are taking place around the world. Towns and Cities will mark World Diabetes Day by lighting landmark buildings and sites blue. Political support is represented throughout the world. As an individual, you can make one or more goals to improve your diabetes. By making positive lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of developing diabetes or developing complications.
Diabetes day is represented by a blue circle. The circle represents life and health. The color blue reflects the sky that unites all nations. Together the blue circle signifies the unity in the global struggle to defeat diabetes.
The focus of World Diabetes Day this year is on improving knowledge of diabetes to better understand the condition and prevention complications. One key message of the campaign is “Know the signs and symptoms of diabetes. Early diagnosis saves live.” Another key message is “Enjoy an active life and prevent complications”.
Some warning signs of diabetes include: being tired, sudden weight loss, increased hunger, frequent urination especially at night, excessive thirst, blurred vision, slow-healing of open sores, frequent infections, and tingling or numbness in the hands or feet. These signs may be absent or mild even if you have diabetes, so it is important to have your blood glucose checked.
Making correct decisions to stay healthy can be a struggle when you are living with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose, take their medication, exercise regularly, eat healthy, manage stress, and live healthy. Without proper management high blood sugar can lead to complications that include: heart disease, kidney disease, eye disease, foot problems, and nerve disease.
Diabetes education allows individuals to make better informed decisions, which result in healthy behavioral changes. Educated individuals are more equipped to manage their diabetes. The Wayne HealthCare Diabetes Education Program would like to be part of your healthcare team to help you better manage your diabetes. Please call 937-547-5750 to learn about educational opportunities that are available.
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