We here at Tung Brush & Gel take diabetes very seriously. Diabetes can wreak havoc with one’s health and have debilitating consequences if left untreated. World Diabetes Day is a day to raise much needed awareness for this condition.
First launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization and the International Diabetes Federation, World Diabetes Day is now recognized in over 160 countries and includes activities and programs centered around the unfortunate global increase in diabetes in adults and children.
November 14, the date each year for these events, was the birthday of Frederick Banting who, in 1922, along with Charles Best and John James Rickard Macleod, was instrumental in the fundamental beginnings of the development of insulin. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, this disease is growing at an alarming rate. Here are a few statistics:
- Approximately 415 million adults have diabetes; by 2040 this will rise to 642 million
- The proportion of people with type 2 diabetes is increasing in most countries
- 75% of adults with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries
- The greatest number of people with diabetes are between 40 and 59 years of age
- 1 in 2 (46%) people with diabetes are undiagnosed
- Diabetes caused 5 million deaths in 2015; every six seconds a person dies from diabetes
- Diabetes caused at least USD 673 billion dollars in health expenditure in 2015 –12% of total spending on adults
- More than 542,000 children live with type 1 diabetes in 2015
- More than 9 million live births were affected by diabetes during pregnancy in 2015 – 1 in 7 births
Each year, World Diabetes Day focuses on a specific theme related to the disease. This year’s theme is “Eyes on Diabetes” and focuses on promoting the importance of screening to aid in early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening complications. Nearly 500 different activities in over 130 countries have been submitted to the International Diabetes Federation for inclusion this year and will hopefully shine a brighter light on this matter!
In addition to screening, of course, diagnosis and treatment are critical. One of the side effects of diabetes tends to be dry mouth due to medication side effects and high blood sugar levels, so we remind our readers and customers that the daily use of their TUNG Brush and Gel will help control dry mouth and the resultant increase in bacteria that contribute to a multitude of oral health problems, particularly gum disease.
For more information on World Diabetes Day, visit the International Diabetes Federation.
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