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World Diabetes Day is observed on 14 November
The United Nations is observing 14 November as World Diabetes Day to raise global awareness of the escalating rate of the disease around the world and how to prevent it.
In his message on the occasion of the Day, United Nations Secretary-General is calling on the international community and development agencies to support developing countries to prevent the disease and increase access to health care.
The Secretary-General says that prevention can help reduce poverty, promote economic productivity and keep countries on track in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes and this number is likely to double by 2030 without intervention.
According to the United Nations health agency, almost 80% of diabetes deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
World Diabetes Day was started by the International Diabetes Federation and WHO to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.
Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations
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