Over the past few decades, diabetes has been at the top of the list of diseases leading to disability and mortality. And unfortunately, every year the trend only worsens. Therefore, in 1991, WHO proposed the adoption of World Diabetes Day on November 14, in order to attract as many people as possible to the menacing problem of the spread of diabetes and find common ways to solve it.
A bit of history
World Diabetes Day aims to draw public attention not only to the existence of diabetes as a separate disease, the insidiousness of its possible complications, but also to the fact that this disease is getting younger every year, any of us can become its victim. Even before the middle of the last century, this ailment was a verdict. Humanity was powerless, because in the absence of a hormone (insulin), which mainly ensures the direct absorption of glucose by organs and tissues, a person died quickly and painfully.
great day
The real breakthrough was the day when at the beginning of 1922 a young and very ambitious scientist from Canada named F. Bunting made the first decision and personally injected an unknown substance (insulin hormone) to a dying young man at that time. He became a savior not only for a young man who actually received the first injection, but without exaggeration of all mankind.
It was also striking that, despite the sensational event, which brought not only Banting worldwide fame, but also recognition, he could also receive enormous monetary benefits if he patented his substance. Instead, he transferred all ownership of the medical university in Toronto, and by the end of the year the insulin preparation was on the pharmaceutical market.
Given that diabetes is still an incurable disease, thanks to the discovery of a truly great scientist, mankind has gained a chance of coexisting with it through complete control.
That is why it was 14.11 that was chosen as the date when World Diabetes Day is celebrated, because it was on this day that F. Bunting himself was born. This is a small tribute to a real scientist and a man with a capital letter for his discovery and millions (if not billions) of saved lives.
Main idea and goals
World Diabetes Day is a holiday not so much in the usual sense of the word as the opportunity to once again publicly and rally to tell humanity about such a dangerous and insidious disease, to show its consequences, possible preventive and treatment measures.
World Diabetes Day (2014)
Each year of the celebration has its own theme and focus. So, World Diabetes Day in 2014 was dedicated to a healthy diet for this disease. Scientists and practitioners have once again emphasized the importance of normalizing nutrition. They claim that diabetes is not just a disease, it is, above all, a lifestyle. If a person eats properly, knows how to efficiently and, more importantly, correctly draw up his daily routine, is disciplined in taking medications, is aware of possible errors in the diet and their consequences, he can compensate for his illness for a long time. These aspects are relevant not only for patients with diabetes, but also for healthy people, because prevention is the key to success and a healthy lifestyle.
Who is celebrating World Diabetes Day?
On November 14, more than 100 countries celebrate and raise public awareness of diabetes. The fact that every year not only the number of newly ill people increases, but also the number of organizations aimed at combating this disease, helping patients in various aspects of life (from banal medical to social and psychological), once again proves the need for such of the day.
Recently, more and more often you can notice various screening programs that take place under the auspices of antidiabetic organizations, when everyone can check their blood sugar levels absolutely free. Thanks to such measures, it is possible to make early detection of hyperglycemia in healthy at first glance people and to prevent the development and progression of diabetes as quickly as possible.
Forewarned - armed
World Diabetes Day is a day for good and for relief. Once faced with this disease, you will understand that you are not alone, and you will always know where to go.
Thanks to the widespread awareness of the population, it is possible to focus attention and convey to people the possible causes of diabetes mellitus, its first signs and algorithms for action in this situation. No less important is the work with primary care doctors, because it is to them that a person addresses his problems, and, knowing what to pay attention to and what basic research methods to apply, it is possible to save a lot of people.
Conclusion
World Diabetes Day is not a tribute to fashion, but an event aimed at saving humanity, informing it and providing all possible assistance to those who are familiar with this disease firsthand. Only by rallying and armed with the necessary knowledge, you can protect yourself and help your loved one.
Therefore, the next time you see an ad in a pharmacy, clinic and other structure about a program for screening sugar levels, do not neglect this, but be sure to use the offer. Moreover, it is in your strength and interests not to wait for such events, but to donate blood yourself and sleep peacefully!