World Diabetes Day facts for kids
Quick facts for kids World Diabetes Day |
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World Diabetes Day logo.
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| Observed by | worldwide |
| Date | November 14 |
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is a special global day. It helps everyone learn about diabetes mellitus. This important day happens every year on November 14.
The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) leads World Diabetes Day. Each year, the day focuses on a different topic about diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a health condition that does not spread from person to person. It can often be prevented and treated. The number of people with Type 2 diabetes is growing fast around the world. Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, it can be managed with daily insulin shots.
Topics for past campaigns have included diabetes and healthy living. They also covered diabetes and obesity, and diabetes in children and teenagers. The campaigns run all year long. But November 14 is special because it is the birthday of Frederick Banting. He, along with Charles Best, first thought of the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.
Contents
Understanding Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where your body has trouble using sugar (glucose) for energy. Glucose comes from the food you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use this sugar. If your body doesn't make enough insulin, or can't use it well, sugar builds up in your blood. This can cause health problems over time.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This happens when your body's immune system attacks the cells that make insulin. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin shots every day to live.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type. It happens when your body doesn't make enough insulin or doesn't use insulin properly. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and sometimes medicine can help manage Type 2 diabetes.
The Story of World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day began in 1991. The International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) started it. They wanted to act because diabetes cases were increasing quickly worldwide.
In 2006, the United Nations officially recognized World Diabetes Day. This showed how important it was to address diabetes globally.
How People Celebrate World Diabetes Day
Many groups around the world take part in World Diabetes Day. By 2016, over 230 IDF Member Associations in more than 160 countries joined in. These groups include international organizations and healthcare professionals. Politicians, famous people, and families affected by diabetes also participate.
Activities on World Diabetes Day include many things. There are programs to check for diabetes. Radio and television campaigns share important information. Sports events also help raise awareness. Often, famous buildings and monuments are lit up in blue. Blue is the color of the diabetes awareness ribbon.
Exploring the Themes of World Diabetes Day
Each World Diabetes Day campaign focuses on a specific theme. This helps to highlight different aspects of diabetes.
- 2024–2026: Diabetes and Well-being. This ongoing campaign focuses on how diabetes affects your overall health. It looks at physical, social, and mental well-being.
- 2021–2023: Access to Diabetes Care. This theme highlighted the importance of everyone being able to get the care they need for diabetes.
- 2020: The Nurse and Diabetes. This theme recognized the vital role nurses play in supporting people with diabetes.
- 2018–2019: The Family and Diabetes. This theme reminded us that diabetes affects entire families.
- 2017: Women and diabetes – our right to a healthy future. This theme focused on the specific needs of women with diabetes.
- 2016: Eyes on Diabetes. This theme raised awareness about how diabetes can affect eye health.
- 2015: Healthy Eating. This theme encouraged healthy food choices to help prevent and manage diabetes.
- 2014: Go Blue for Breakfast. This theme promoted healthy breakfast habits.
- 2013: Protect our Future: Diabetes Education and Prevention. This theme stressed the importance of learning about diabetes and how to prevent it.
See Also
In Spanish: Día Mundial de la Diabetes para niños
- World Health Day 2016: Beat Diabetes (WHO)
