On World Diabetes Day 2019, PAHO/WHO joins partners around the world to promote that diabetes can be prevented and controlled. The theme for this year is “Family and Diabetes”. Approximately 62 million people are living with type 2 diabetes in the Americas, and need support from their families. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not even know they have it. Support your family to understand the risk factors and signs/symptoms, and to seek prompt medical care if diabetes is suspected. Diabetes can be prevented through public health policies and lifestyle changes that support healthy eating, physical activity and healthy weights, and it can be controlled to prevent complications. If diabetes affects you or your family, make sure to follow a healthy lifestyle and adhere to treatment.
World Diabetes Day became an official UN day in 2006. It was first established by the International Diabetes Federation in1991, with support from WHO, in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes, The World Diabetes Day 2018 campaign on ”The Family and Diabetes” promotes affordable and equitable access for families to essential care, medicines and technologies, self-management education and information required to prevent type 2 diabetes and achieve optimal diabetes outcomes.