Global diabetes pandemic requires urgent action

News Release
CDA

Every 10 seconds one person in the world dies of a diabetes-related complication. In the same ten seconds two people develop the disease. Statistics like this have compelled the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) to mount a campaign, Unite for Diabetes, to bring a resolution on diabetes to the United Nations. It is of the greatest importance that all Canadians join us in supporting this campaign, says the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Since the turn of the millennium, the number of people worldwide with diabetes has more than doubled. Despite the warning signs, governments have been slow to act. Diabetes is now a global epidemic with devastating humanitarian, social and economic consequences. Forty million people worldwide are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS while 230 million live with diabetes.
The Unite for Diabetes campaign, which is raising awareness of the severity of diabetes around the world, seeks to pass a UN Resolution on diabetes. The Resolution, which involves working with the 193 member states of the United Nations to encourage a vote for acceptance of the Resolution, states that diabetes is a disease affecting all countries of the world and that governments need to provide appropriate prevention measures and care for all those affected. Sponsored by the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, the Resolution asks member states to acknowledge the seriousness of the global diabetes epidemic by:
- Recognizing the urgent need for multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health;
- Developing national policies for the prevention, treatment and care of diabetes;
- Designating 14 November as World Diabetes Day to be observed officially by the United Nations beginning 2007.
“Unite for Diabetes is a global campaign that strives to increase the awareness of the severity and impact of diabetes in every country of the world,” says Michael Howlett, President & CEO of the Canadian Diabetes Association. “We recognize and accept our role at the Canadian Diabetes Association as an internationally respected authority on diabetes and are pleased to lend our support to this very worthy campaign.”
Diabetes is a devastating disease creating untold suffering and insurmountable healthcare costs. There are currently 230,000,000 people with diabetes in the world with that number expected to reach 350,000,000 by 2025.
Each year 3.5 million people die of diabetes - equal to the number of HIV/AIDS. Show your support and visit www.diabetes.ca/ufd.htm to sign the Unite for Diabetes petition.
To support this campaign, an international symbol for diabetes has been created: a simple blue ring. The circular shape symbolizes the world and our need to unite around diabetes, while the colour blue represents the sky, which unites all countries of the world and is the colour of the United Nations. You may also participate in the virtual pin campaign by ‘pinning’ your friends, family and colleagues in your personal database.
The Canadian Diabetes Association works to prevent diabetes and improve the quality of life for those affected, through research, education, service and advocacy. With a presence in more than 150 communities, the Canadian Diabetes Association’s strong network of assistance includes volunteers, employees, healthcare professionals and partners. The Canadian Diabetes Association - Know who to turn to.