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World Diabetes Day (WDD) is the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes world. It was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to the alarming rise in diabetes around the world. In 2007, the United Nations marked the day for the first time with the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution in December 2006, which made the existing World Diabetes Day an official United Nations World Health Day.

 

This year and last year, theme of World Diabetes Day is 'Diabetes in Children and Adolescents.' It is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Statistics show Type 1 diabetes is growing by 3 per cent per year in children and adolescents, and at an alarming five per cent per year among pre-school children.

While the theme is celebrated the entire year, the day is celebrated on Nov. 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.

 

The federation's two-year focus on children through the World Diabetes Day campaign hopes to increase awareness aimed at parents and caregivers, teachers, healthcare professionals, politicians and the public.

 

~Courtesy of www.worlddiabetesday.com