November 14th of every year is World Diabetes Day

As a physician and having had very close family members currently surviving the challenge of this disease, I have seen first hand the personal, social, and economic cost of diabetes. To put things in a bigger perspective, the campaigners of the international celebration of World Diabetes Day put together this set of key messages regarding this burgeoning global health burden:

Diabetes currently affects more than 285 million people worldwide.

A further 344 million are at high risk of developing diabetes.

The International Diabetes Federation predicts that by 2030, over 435 million people will live with diabetes worldwide.

Over the past 30 years the global figures for the number of people living with diabetes have skyrocketed, with severe consequences for healthcare budgets worldwide.

Diabetes is one of several non-communicable diseases that threaten to overwhelm healthcare systems and are emerging as a serious barrier to economic development.

Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes.

Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes.

Each year a further 7 million people develop diabetes

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease.

Each year 4 million deaths are attributable to diabetes.

All diabetes is on the rise.

Diabetes affects people of all ages.

Care for people with diabetes is best when a multidisciplinary approach is adopted involving
health professionals from all areas.

Access to appropriate medication and care should be a right not a privilege.

Diabetes costs more than money.

Up to 60% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented.

Diabetes brings different challenges at different ages.

Diabetes hits the poorest hardest.

SO HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU SHOULD ALREADY BE WORRIED THAT YOU MAY HAVE DIABETES? Watch this short, 2-minute video below to know more about diabetes. You can also visit the Diabetes Atlas for a more comprehensive look into this disease.