Overview:
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, or when the body is unable to effectively use the insulin it produces. Blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels rise above normal levels, which, over time, can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves if left uncontrolled.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness about the impact of diabetes in society, encourage early diagnosis, and support those affected.
- Raise awareness about ways to prevent diabetes or delay its onset, through a healthy diet and physical activity.
- Strengthen the role of the family in health education in the treatment of diabetes.
- Prevent its complications and increase awareness about the warning signs of its infection.
- Provide medicines, technologies, support, and care to all diabetics who need them.
Facts:
- Diabetes has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 1.5 million people worldwide died from diabetes in 2019.
- It is estimated that 537 million people are currently living with diabetes worldwide. By 2045, this number is expected to rise to about 783 million people worldwide.
- Millions of people with diabetes worldwide do not receive diabetes care.
- People with diabetes need ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications.
- Diabetes caused 6.7 million deaths in 2021.
- Diabetes can be treated, and its consequences can be avoided or delayed by following a healthy diet, exercising, taking prescribed medication, getting regular checkups, and treating complications.
- Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputations.
Official Date:
Globally: November 14th, 2024
Locally: Jumada Al-Awwal 12th 1446H