Hello, World Diabetes Day 2024!
World diabetes day was started in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization and then reinforced by the United Nations in 2006.
This is about raising awareness of diabetes, which is paramount … here’s why:
According to the IDF, over 500 million people worldwide live with diabetes (that includes 10.5% of the adult population), and it’s forecasted to be over 700 million by 2045. but even more critical … half of the people living with the Big D don’t know they have it.
With so many effective treatment methods available, getting the word out about diagnosis, education, and care is crucial. I’m reminded of a wellness event when I worked at AT&T. I didn’t think much of it until I saw one of my employees months later at a weekend diabetes education event. I asked about his connection, and he said he was diagnosed at that wellness event … without it, he would not have known that he had diabetes. He also remarked how much better he felt after getting medical care.
World Diabetes Day is about our growing community, awareness of a pancreas that doesn’t produce enough insulin, being diagnosed (correctly), and getting help from medical professionals to treat it.
Getting Diagnosed
A blood test is required to diagnose diabetes. The gold standard is the A1C (*), which measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months. According to the CDC, results greater than 5.7% are abnormal and require treatment. Even then, it’s essential to get a correct diagnosis. I know many who have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, only to find out later that they have type 1. (The treatments can be different.)
Getting Treatment
Diabetes is a severe chronic condition. It’s a daily companion that results in a new normal. Our new normal can be calm or chaotic. While that decision is ours, achieving calm is best achieved with the help of medical professionals. At a minimum, they will identify and prescribe your meds.They can also assist with other facets of diabetes wellness, including nutrition, technology, and exercise. (For more, see this diabetes wellness wheel.)
Once diagnosed with diabetes, we are best served by an endocrinologist specializing in diabetes. Find one you connect with (it’s taken me 2-3 tries every time I moved.) Solicit recommendations from others living with diabetes, a primary care physician, your local Breakthrough T1D chapter (formerly JDRF), diabetes online communities, and at www.healthgrades.com.
Let’s Get the Word Out!
Half of the people with diabetes don’t know they have it. Living with diabetes without treatment results in a poor quality of life (now) and complications (later).
Please encourage those you know and love to get tested for diabetes. Their life may depend on it.
+ I’ve often wondered why World Diabetes Day is November 14 …. It turns out it’s the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
(*) I never thought I would see A1C levels in so many advertisements and commercials, but those jingles sure are catchy 🙂