During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes Association will join the International Diabetes Federation to raise awareness of diabetes on November 14 — World Diabetes Day. November 14 is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme is Diabetes Education and Prevention. The 2010 slogan is Let’s Take Control of Diabetes. Now. The campaign aims to highlight diabetes symptoms and prevention measures, among other things.
“Diabetes is a serious epidemic facing not only our nation, but the world. It is the leading cause of blindness, kidney disease and amputations, plus it doubles your risk of heart attack and stroke,” commented Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, PhD, RD, President-Elect, Health Care & Education, American Diabetes Association.
“But knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, can help with early detection and treatment. Type 2 diabetes and many diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle intervention.”
Nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 57 million Americans are at risk for type 2 diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 285 million people worldwide have diabetes.
During World Diabetes Day and throughout November’s American Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association is encouraging greater awareness of a disease that kills more Americans each year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless:
Type 1 diabetes symptoms
Frequent urination
Unusual thirst
Extreme hunger
Unusual weight loss
Extreme fatigue and irritability
Type 2 diabetes symptoms*
Any of the type 1 symptoms
Frequent infections
Blurred vision
Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.
“Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Thirty minutes a day, five days a week, of moderate physical activity (such as brisk walking) and a 7% reduction in body weight (or about 15 pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) can help lower your risk for type 2 diabetes,” commented Mayer-Davis. “In addition, many diabetes complications, whether you have type 1 or type 2, can be prevented or delayed with exercise and healthy eating.”
Source: American Diabetes Association