IDF Urges Governments and Agencies to Recognize Diabetes As a Global Health Threat

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has called on governments worldwide, the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) to recognize the impact of diabetes on global health. IDF president, Professor Silink, is urging diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, to be included in the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and development aid programs. These noncommunicable diseases are a growing social and economic burden to both individuals and families as well as governments. The global epidemic of diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases has hit the poorest countries the hardest. Eighty percent of deaths from non-communicable diseases occur in low to middle-income countries. Diabetes is a disease of disordered metabolism which results in abnormally high blood sugar levels. The high blood sugars are a result from the lack of effective insulin production or utilization. Serious complications associated with diabetes include stroke, cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney disease, nervous system diseases, hypertension and lower extremity amputations. In 2006 the United Nations passed UN Resolution 61/225: World Diabetes Day. The resolution recognizes diabetes as a chronic, debilitating disease that is costly and associated with severe complications. November 14th is World Diabetes Day and the resolution designated this day to be observed by the United Nations every year. The World Health Organization has estimated that the prevalence of diabetes worldwide was 171 million in 2000, but will reach 366 million. The IDF has estimated the current prevalence of diabetes worldwide to be 246 million. The CDC estimates that about 24 million Americans have diabetes, which includes those individuals who are not aware that they have been diagnosed. In developing countries, the social and economic burden of diabetes makes it difficult to improve standards of living and economic growth. Almost 80% of the people living with diabetes live in developing countries. Within the next twenty years, the largest increase in diabetes is estimated to take place in developing countries if preventative measure are not taken. The mission of International Diabetes Federation is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. Its main activities include education for people with diabetes and healthcare professionals, public awareness campaigns and the promotion and exchange of information.