World Diabetes Day is November 14, 2010. On this day, over 160 countries are expected to hold events to raise awareness about the disease. Diabetes now affects over 300 million people worldwide and will cost the global economy at least $376 billion (US) in 2010, according International Diabetes Federation. Another 344 million people are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of the disease. Without action, the International Diabetes Federation predicts that by 2030, 438 million people will live with diabetes at a cost projected of more than $490 billion.
Ninety years after the discovery of insulin and four years after UN Resolution 61/225, the number of people with diabetes continues to grow at a staggering rate. In every country and in every community worldwide, we are losing the battle against this cruel and deadly disease,†said International Diabetes Federation President Jean Claude Mbanya.
World Diabetes Day was first created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to the increased prominence of the disease. In 1997, it became an official world day with United Nation Resolution 61/225. day itself is November 14 is significant because it celebrates the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922. The five-year theme of World Diabetes Day is education and prevention. The 2010 theme is "Let's Take Control of Diabetes. Now."
Reference:
The International Diabetes Federation press release, "Millions unite for diabetes awareness on World Diabetes Day 2010," was posted on the organization's web site on November 12, 2010, http://www.idf.org/
