Hi everyone,

We celebrated World Diabetes Day (WDD) from 12-13Nov 09!(thu and fri) 
Thanks for join us in wearing BLUE on to mark WDD. I hoped you all learnt something from the information on the big floor stickers as well as the bookmarks given out!
Pictures can be found at: http://picasaweb.google.com/nuspspharmacy/WorldDiabetesDay

Today’s the actual day for WDD, and i would like to encourage everyone be aware of the risks of diabetes and lead a healthy lifestyle! Please read the previous entry on Dr Joyce Lee’s work and how she actually helped a diabetic patient!

WDD is celebrated every year on November 14, to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat that diabetes now poses. 

Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. The campaign slogan for 2009 is “Understand Diabetes and Take Control”. Diabetes is difficult. The disease imposes life-long demands on the 250 million people now living with diabetes and their families. People with diabetes must deliver 95% of their own care, so it is of paramount importance that they receive ongoing, high-quality diabetes education that is tailored to their needs and delivered by skilled health professionals. In addition, IDF estimates that over 300 million people worldwide are at risk for type 2 diabetes.Type 2 diabetes can be prevented in the many cases by helping and encouraging those at risk to maintain a healthy weight and take regular exercise. The key messages for everyone are:

Know the diabetes risks and know the warning signs
Know how to respond to diabetes and who to turn to
Know how to manage diabetes and take control

Let’s all work towards diabetes prevention!

Warmest Regards,
Valerie