The American Diabetes Association Encourages People to Take Control of Their Health on World Diabetes Day
Alexandria, VA, Nov. 11, 2011. During American Diabetes Month® this November, the American Diabetes
Association will join the International Diabetes Federation to raise
awareness of diabetes on November 14 - World Diabetes Day. November 14
is the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme is Diabetes Education and
Prevention. The 2011 slogan is Act on Diabetes. Now. The campaign aims
to highlight diabetes symptoms and prevention measures, among other
things.
“Diabetes is a serious epidemic facing not only our nation, but the
world. It is the leading cause of blindness, kidney disease and
amputations, plus it doubles your risk of heart attack and stroke,”
commented Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, MSPH, PhD, RD, President, Health Care
& Education, American Diabetes Association. “But knowing the signs
and symptoms of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, can help with early
detection and treatment. Type 2 diabetes and many diabetes
complications can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle intervention.”
Nearly 26 million Americans from children to adults have diabetes and
up to 79 million more are at risk for type 2 diabetes. According to the
International Diabetes Federation, more than 300 million people
worldwide have diabetes.
During World Diabetes Day and throughout November’s American Diabetes
Month, the American Diabetes Association is encouraging greater
awareness of a disease that strikes a person in the United States every
17 seconds.
Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem harmless:
Type 1 diabetes symptoms
• Frequent urination
• Unusual thirst
• Extreme hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Extreme fatigue and irritability
Type 2 diabetes symptoms*
• Any of the type 1 symptoms
• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
• Tingling/numbness in the hands/feet
• Recurring skin, gum or bladder infections
*Often people with type 2 diabetes have no symptoms.
“Studies have shown that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
Thirty minutes a day, five days a week, of moderate physical activity
(such as brisk walking) and a 7% reduction in body weight (or about 15
pounds if you weigh 200 pounds) can help lower your risk for type 2
diabetes,” commented Mayer-Davis. “In addition, many diabetes
complications, whether you have type 1 or type 2, can be prevented or
delayed with exercise and healthy eating and keeping blood glucose
levels as close to normal as possible.”
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to stop
diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by
diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage
diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides
objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied
their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to
prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people
affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American
Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
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