This is World Diabetes Day. The world’s largest diabetes campaign features a new theme chosen each year by the International Diabetes Federation to address issues facing the global diabetes community. Past topics have covered diabetes and human rights, diabetes and lifestyle, diabetes and obesity, diabetes and the disadvantaged and vulnerable and diabetes in children and adolescents.
The International Diabetes Federation encourages the global diabetes community to produce a powerful voice for diabetes awareness and advocacy. This year’s them is “Eyes on diabetes.’ Key messages include screening for Type 2 diabetes is important to modify its course and reduce its risk of complications and that screening for diabetes complications is an essential part of managing all types of diabetes.
In 2015 415 million adults were living with diabetes. By 2040 that number is expected to increase to increase to around 642 million or one in 10 adults. Right now one in two adults with diabetes is undiagnosed, and many people live with Type 2 diabetes for a long time without being aware of their condition. By the time of diagnosis, diabetes complications may already be present.
Experts says up to 70 percent of type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented or delayed by adopting healthier lifestyles. That’s the equivalent of up to 160 million cases by 2040.
Untreated diabetes can lead to vision loss, which is why adults are encouraged to get their vision screened as soon as possible to head off any complications.
Click http://www.idf.org/wdd-index/index.php to visit the International Diabetes Foundation website.
###
