It’s that time of year again! Today, November 14th, marks World Diabetes Day (WDD), the perfect opportunity to educate yourself and others about the disease that affects nearly 380 million people worldwide, according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Since its inception in 1991, WDD has been recognized annually on November 14th by the United Nations General Assembly. To celebrate today's big event, here are a few facts about diabetes that you might not know about or have forgotten since last year.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes your blood sugar level to be too high. If untreated, diabetes can lead to major health problems, including strokes, heart disease, kidney failure and blindness. One in 10 adults has diabetes in the U.S., and more than 400 million people around the world have diabetes.

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is on November 14th every year and is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). WDD was first established in 1991 as a means of raising awareness about this global health concern.

The different types of diabetes

Every year, world diabetes day is held on 14 November. This day marks the 5th World Health Assembly (WHA), where the International Diabetes Federation was established and approved by its members. To mark this event, we have prepared a brief guide on the different types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, gestational diabetes, diabetes in children and adolescents.

-Type 1: About 10% of all people with diabetes suffer from type one. There are two main risk factors for developing type one diabetes: genetics and environmental factors like viruses or bacteria infections. In about 15% of cases, an individual can also inherit their predisposition for type one from their parents or relatives who had it themselves before them. 

-Type 2: Roughly 90% of people with diabetes are afflicted by Type 2 diabetes which is much more common in adults who are overweight or obese. Type 2 usually progresses over many years due to unhealthy lifestyles habits that include poor nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity which result in increased levels of insulin resistance caused by high blood sugar levels over time that eventually leads to Type 2 diabetes being diagnosed.

Symptoms of diabetes

Every day there are three million people diagnosed with diabetes. If you know any of these people, make sure you show them love and support on World Diabetes Day. This can be anything from checking in on how they're feeling to asking what you can do for them to encouraging them not to give up hope. And if you happen to have diabetes, know that while it's a difficult road ahead, there is an entire community of people supporting you the entire way. 

The symptoms of diabetes are well-known by most: increased urination, increased thirst or hunger, unexplained weight loss and blurred vision - just some of the problems diabetics experience every day.

Causes of diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin or the body can't use insulin as well as it should. It affects more than 400 million people worldwide. Type 1 diabetes, which has no known cause, accounts for about 10% of all cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is caused by obesity and inactivity, and accounts for 90% of all cases of diabetes. If not managed properly, diabetes can cause serious health problems such as blindness, kidney damage, nerve damage, heart attack and stroke. All types of diabetes are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and stroke.

World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14th every year.

How to prevent diabetes

World Diabetes Day is a day for diabetes prevention. There are many ways you can help stop the spread of diabetes, and start living a life without the disease. 

- Eat healthy foods: Substitute unhealthy processed foods with nutritious whole food ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

- Get active: Move your body every day by doing anything from taking a walk outside to playing sports.

- Be mindful of your health: If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, take care of yourself and make sure you're getting enough sleep and managing stress levels.

- Support others in your community: Consider donating time or money to organizations that promote diabetes awareness or help people with diabetes manage their condition.

Treatment options for diabetes

World Diabetes Day is an annual event that is held on November 14th. World Diabetes Day is celebrated in over 180 countries around the world with the aim of spreading awareness about diabetes, its complications and its prevention. It was first observed in 1991 and is one of the United States' most important health observances. 

The number of people affected by diabetes has increased from 5% in 2000 to 10% in 2008 globally, according to World Health Organization estimates. The increase has been driven by rising obesity levels around the world, particularly among children, as well as urbanization and other factors. According to WHO projections, more than half a billion people will be living with diabetes by 2030 if current trends continue unabated.

Diabetes is predicted to become the seventh leading cause of death worldwide by 2030. In addition, there are many associated medical conditions related to type 2 diabetes including heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancers.

Living with diabetes

The World Diabetes Day campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes and its impacts on people living with the condition. It’s also a chance for those living with diabetes, as well as their family members and carers, to take time out from managing their diabetes and learn how it can be done better.

The campaign was first held in 1991 when the World Health Organization’s Director-General at the time, Dr Gro Harlem Brundtland, called for a global observance of International Diabetes Day. The day is marked by events that highlight different aspects of the lives of people with diabetes. These are usually regional gatherings or activities that allow people with diabetes to get together, share their experiences and connect with others who have similar conditions. 

In Australia, each year we celebrate World Diabetes Day on 14 November – this coincides with the United Nations designated International Diabetes Awareness Day (IDAD) which is observed annually on 14 November. 

On IDAD we hold education workshops across schools around Australia where children come together to learn about diabetes prevention; what it means to live with diabetes; the skills they need if they have been diagnosed; and healthy eating habits.