The clock is ticking. Every 8 seconds, somewhere in the world, a life is lost due to diabetes. Let that sink in for a moment. Again, every 8 seconds, not minutes, not hours, or days a life is cut short because of diabetes. Even more heartbreaking is the fact that nearly half of these cases could have been prevented. As we mark World Diabetes Awareness Day this November 14th, it's time to face these stark realities and take action because knowledge, maintenance, and prevention are our most powerful weapons to help conquer such statistics. This year's theme for World Diabetes Day {WDD} is Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.
The History
On November 14th, we honor not just a date, but a turning point in human history. It's a day when hope was born in laboratories and hearts around the world. This date marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, whose groundbreaking discovery of insulin alongside Charles Best in 1921 transformed diabetes from a death sentence into a chapter in countless life stories still being written to this day.
In 1991, as diabetes cases continued to rise and touched more lives across every continent, the International Diabetes Federation and World Health Organization joined forces to establish World Diabetes Day. Their vision was clear: no one should face diabetes alone, and everyone deserves access to life-saving care. This commitment grew stronger in 2006 when the United Nations recognized the day through Resolution 61/225, acknowledging what millions of families already knew; diabetes is not just a health condition, but a global epidemic that demands our collective attention and action.
World Diabetes Day
Today, World Diabetes Day stands as a powerful reminder of both how far we've come and the journey still ahead. It's a day when communities unite, sharing stories of resilience and hope, while healthcare advocates work tirelessly to ensure that every person affected by diabetes has access to the care they deserve. From busy city clinics to remote rural health centers, dedicated professionals and volunteers are working to spread awareness, promote early detection, and support those living with diabetes in writing their success stories.
Understanding the Issue
Diabetes also, known as diabetes mellitus is a condition that results from abnormal regulation of blood glucose. Simply put when the blood sugar is elevated consistently it can be a form of diabetes. The body uses blood sugar (glucose) for energy, and it is the pancreas job to produce a hormone called insulin to assist in converting the glucose from the food that one eats into energy to not feel drained or exhausted. Diabetes isn't just a disease; it's a silent storm that can and has devastated lives, families, and communities. Imagine this, your body is like a finely tuned engine, with insulin as its key fuel regulator. When this system falters, the consequences ripple through every aspect of your health, from your precious eyesight to the strength in your arms and legs, from your beating heart to your vital organs causing a catastrophe if not taken care of.
The Three Faces of Diabetes & Pre-Diabetes:
Almost 600 million people globally fall into one of these 3 diabetes categories and another 300 million are living with pre-diabetes and about 85% haven’t a clue they have it at all which is quite scary.
Type 1: Imagine your body's immune system turning against itself, stopping your pancreas from producing the insulin you need. This is the reality for many children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, requiring lifelong management.
Type 2: The most common form, affecting 90% of diabetes cases. Your body either resists insulin or doesn't produce enough. The good news? This type is often preventable through lifestyle choices.
Gestational: A temporary but serious condition affecting pregnant women, potentially impacting both mother and child. It's a reminder that diabetes doesn't discriminate; it can touch lives even before they begin.
Then there is Prediabetes: Think of prediabetes as the body's early warning system; a critical window of opportunity before type 2 diabetes develops. While blood sugar levels are higher than normal, one may still have the power to reverse course. Roughly 40 million live with this condition unknowingly, but awareness is the first step toward prevention. By taking action now, through diet, exercise, and mindful living, people have the power to rewrite their health story and safeguard their future well-being.
The Call to Action
Today isn't just another awareness day; it's a personal invitation to advise you to decide to take control of your own health. The International Diabetes Federation reaches over 1 billion people across 160 countries with a simple message: Know your risk. Take the test. Act now.
Are you:
Over 45?
Carrying extra weight, especially around your waist?
Living with high blood pressure?
Have a family history of diabetes?
These aren't just random questions, they're potential warning signs that shouldn't be ignored.
Hope Through Action
The message isn't all dire. There's immense hope in knowing that many diabetes cases are preventable. Every step you take, literally and figuratively, can move you away from becoming another statistic:
1. Get Tested: Knowledge is power. Know your numbers.
2. Move More: Physical activity is your shield.
3. Eat Wisely: Your food choices matter more than you know.
4. Regular Check-ups: Early detection can be lifesaving.
A Call to Community
This isn't just about individual health – it's about our collective wellbeing. Every person who prevents or manages diabetes effectively lightens the burden on our healthcare system and inspires others to take control of their health.
Your Tomorrow Starts Today
Remember, diabetes doesn't announce its arrival with fanfare. It whispers through subtle signs that many ignore until it's too late. But you're reading this now, meaning you are now conscious and have a choice. Will you take the first step? Will you be the one who breaks the cycle?
This World Diabetes Day, make a promise, commit to yourself. Get tested. Know your risk. Act now because every 8 seconds doesn't have to be a countdown to loss it can be a reminder of how precious time is, and how much power we have to change our health destiny.
Your life, your choice, your future. What will you do with this moment?
Need Help?
If you are interested in working with a holistic coach to improve your health situation after speaking with your doctor, reach out to us to see how we may be able to help provide viable solutions for your health concerns or goals.
Reference
International Diabetes Federation
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease