Vatican participates in World Diabetes Day
(Nov.14,2008): “Diabetes in children and adults” was the theme of World Diabetes Day held Nov. 14th. Vatican State also participated in this day by illuminating in blue, late Friday evening - the huge statues of Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Peter’s Square. As the world is facing a growing diabetes epidemic of potentially devastating proportions, this special day is held annually, to highlight the need for greater global awareness of this chronic disease.
It is estimated that some 171 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, and the figure is expected to more than double by the year 2030. India is the nation with the most diabetics. Officially, 41 million Indians suffer from the disease. Diabetes occurs, when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Diabetes causes a number of medical complications like heart disease, blindness, the loss of limbs and death. Primary prevention, a healthy diet and regular physical exercise helps to protect from diabetes.
Unfortunately, diabetes is one of the most chronic diseases of childhood. It can strike children of any age, including infants and toddlers. Globally, there are close to a million children under the age of 15 with type One diabetes, and each day, 200 children develop this type of diabetes, which is an auto-immune disease that cannot be prevented. However, as a result of increasing childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles, Type 2 diabetes is also on the increase.
World Diabetes Day is annually held on 14th of Nov. because this day marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who was credited with discovering insulin some 87 years ago.
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