Led by the International Diabetes Federation, World Diabetes Day is the world's largest diabetes awareness campaign. The campaign brings together inclusive organizations, advocacy groups, media outlets and individuals globally to improve the understanding of diabetes and help improve the lives of those living with it.
World Diabetes Day takes place annually on November 14th and this year’s theme is 'The Family and Diabetes.’ With over 425 million people currently living with diabetes, the theme for World Diabetes Day will be for both 2018 and 2019 to help increase promotion and participation.
What is the spectrum of diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot create insulin, or the body is unable to make effective use of the insulin it produces. There are three common types of diabetes, type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes.
Previously known as juvenile diabetes, type 1 diabetes impacts about five percent of individuals diagnosed with diabetes and surprisingly adults are diagnosed more than children as it can occur at any age, in every race and all shapes and sizes.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes as those impacted have bodies that do not use insulin properly causing their blood glucose or sugar levels to be higher than normal. Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable through regular exercise and a healthy diet.
According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year. Given the prevalence of the disease, it’s important for as many people as possible to be aware of the symptoms and risk factors of diabetes. This can help to improve early detection and treatment, which is crucial to managing the disease and achieving healthy outcomes.
How you can get involved
If you or your organization wants to show its commitment to fighting this disease and supporting those impacted by it, there are a number of ways to get involved in World Diabetes Day. Here are a few tips to get started:
- Wear blue on November 14th: The symbol of the event is a blue circle. This makes it easy for your employees to show their support by wearing blue clothes or a blue circle pin, forming a human blue circle or promoting the blue circle selfie app on social media!
- Use #WDD2018 in your social posts: Don’t forget to include the World Diabetes Day hashtag in your promotions on social media leading up to November 14th. If you tag @gettinghired in your social posts, we will share it with our audiences to help extend the reach of your inclusive employer brand.
- Support Public Health campaigns: Businesses can also make a difference by getting behind public health campaigns and urging local authorities to promote healthy environments and nutrition. Workplace activities with a focus on physical activity can bring attention to the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet.
- Fight for the Cure and Donate: You can donate to your local diabetes advocacy group or to the American Diabetes Association. There are ways to donate in memory or in honor of someone that you know that has diabetes.
By implementing the above tips, your business can make a positive impact on individuals with diabetes. By sharing your efforts with your employees and social media followers, you will be increasing the awareness of the value your organization places on inclusion of individuals with disabilities.
For more information about World Diabetes Day, contact our Account Management team with any questions.
