World Diabetes Day: 14 November
Diabetes Concerns Every Family
Over 425 million people are currently living with diabetes. Most of these cases are type 2 diabetes, which is largely preventable through regular physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, and the promotion of healthy living environments. Families have a key role to play in addressing the modifiable risk factors for type 2 diabetes and must be provided with the education, resources, and environments to live a healthy lifestyle.
1 in 2 People Currently Living with Diabetes is Undiagnosed
Most cases of undiagnosed diabetes are type 2 diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to prevent the complications of diabetes and achieve healthy outcomes. All families are potentially affected by diabetes and so awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors for all types of diabetes are vital to help detect it early.
Diabetes can be Expensive for the Individual and Family
In many countries, the cost of insulin injection and daily monitoring alone can consume half of a family’s average disposable income, and regular and affordable access to essential diabetes medicines are out of reach for too many. Improving access to affordable diabetes medicines and care is, therefore, urgent to avoid increased costs for the individual and family, which impact on health outcomes.
Less than 1 in 4 Family Members have Access to Diabetes Education Programs
Family support in diabetes care has been shown to have a substantial effect on improving health outcomes for people with diabetes. It is therefore important that ongoing diabetes self-management education and support be accessible to all people with diabetes and their families to reduce the emotional impact of the disease that can result in a negative quality of life.
Join HMC for World Diabetes Day Activities
In recognition of World Diabetes Day, HMC is planning a series of events designed to increase awareness of the risk factors and symptoms of diabetes. Through increased awareness we can all play an important role in reducing the burden of this disease; we can also help improve health outcomes for those living with diabetes. Join HMC in our quest to help protect the future of Qatar’s population.
