There are currently over 300 million of people living with diabetes around the world. If nothing is done, this figure will rise to 500 million within a generation.

Diabetes is affecting us all. People with or at risk of diabetes, family members caring for someone with diabetes, a healthcare provider struggling with limited resources, an employer with concerns about employee wellness and health costs, a Minister of Health trying to balance competing demands with a limited budget or just an individual concerned about injustice and the future of mankind.

Essential care for all people with diabetes is one of the key areas to make a difference to diabetes to current and future generations.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

The International Diabetes Federation as part of the NCD - Non-Communicable Disease (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease) - Alliance is using targeted advocacy and outreach to ensure that NCDs are recognized as a major cause of poverty, a barrier to economic development and a global emergency.

A UN Summit on NCDs will be held on September 19-20 2011 at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Summit will raise the profile of NCDs on the global stage, mobilize the international community to take action, secure the commitment of Heads of State to lead the cross-government effort necessary to reverse the epidemic, and send a clear message to donors and funders.

On 14 November 2010, IDF published "A Call to Action on Diabetes," outlining the case for investment in diabetes to world leaders, and signposting a framework for action for all stakeholders at all levels of society. The document outlines 3 Key Focus Areas for diabetes:

Improving health outcomes of people with diabetes

• Provide essential care to all people with diabetes
• Improve healthcare systems so that essential care can be reliably delivered
• Provide care and support for people with complication.

Preventing the development of type 2 diabetes

• Adopt a ‘health in all policies’ approach
• Make healthy nutrition and physical activity available to all - especially pregnant women and children
• Consider a ‘high-risk’ prevention programme where appropriate

Stopping discrimination against people with diabetes

• Enable people with diabetes to claim their rights and responsibilities
• Increase public awareness of diabetes and reduce diabetes-related stigma
• Empower people with diabetes to be at the centre of the diabetes response

With the right policies, commitment and investment, and relentless determination, we can and will make a difference to diabetes for present and future generations. This is a battle we cannot afford to lose. We must unite to take action NOW.

GET INVOLVED here

<< back to News index