World Diabetes Day today

World Diabetes Day will be observed on Sunday with the theme "Fighting Obesity Prevent Diabetes," which has been chosen on the basis for solid evidence that obesity epidemic is now one of the most significant risks to global health.
Meanwhile the day itself is observed every November 14 since 1991 in response to concern over the escalating incidence of diabetes. The aim to raise awareness about the disease currently estimated to have inflicted no less than 171 million people across the globe.
World Health Organisation, (WHO) estimates reveal that without effective prevention and control programmes, diabetes will increase globally to 366 million by 2030. November 14 was chosen being the birthday of Frederick Banting who along with Charles Best first conceived the idea that led to the discovery of Insulin in 1921.
The obesity epidemic is well documented in developed countries and although there is less information from developing countries.
Emerging data indicate a similar pattern of increasing prevalence of obesity over a relatively short period of time. In the World Health Report 2002, WHO estimated that obesity and physical inactivity contribute at least two-thirds of the burden of type two Diabetes.
The number of persons with diabetes in the world is swiftly approaching 200 million and a vast majority has type 2 diabetes, by controlling obesity we can contribute significantly to preventing diabetes. It is a result that also benefits those with the condition, as it leaves health system better able to cope with a smaller number of people with diabetes.
Until now the public health approach to over-nutrition and physical inactivity has largely been based on emphasising the need for individuals to change their behaviour. This approach has not been sufficient to address the challenges we face. It has become clear that a difference and global response is necessary in the face of the world-wide epidemic.
A coherent policy frame work encompassing legislation, regulation and education is therefore necessary to create environmental changes that allow and encourage people to make healthy choices At the request of the member states, the World Health Organisation has developed the Global Strategy on diet, physical activity and health. The strategy builds upon the evidence, best practices and experience in controlling life style related diseases. It concludes that a multisectoral and multistake holder approach is warranted at the World Health Assembly in May 2004.
The member states endorsed the global strategy and supported the lead taken by WHO in the prevention and control of chronic diseases. The next step is the development of a framework for implementing the strategy in different countries according to their needs. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an important partner in the Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.
The WHO sources expect that the World Diabetes Day 2004 urging us all the Fight Obesity - Prevent Diabetes" will be an important contribution towards this end.