Diabetes: Protect Our Future

November is American Diabetes Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness of diabetes.

World Diabetes Day, sponsored by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), is celebrated annually on November 14th. The campaign, symbolized by a blue circle, aims to educate, engage and empower youth and the general public on diabetes. The 2012 World Diabetes Day campaign marks the fourth year of the five-year focus on “diabetes education and prevention.”

The IDF states that "there is an urgent need to continue to widen the awareness of the factors responsible for the global diabetes and the solutions that are required to counter it."

"The World Diabetes Day 2012 campaign will link the urgent need for action to the protection of the health of our future generations. Particular focus will be placed on highlighting the importance of education--for health professionals, people with diabetes and people at risk--in reducing the impact of diabetes throughout the world."

The slogan chosen for the 2012 campaign is:

DIABETES: PROTECT OUR FUTURE

"The 2012 campaign will have a special focus on children and young people as the driving force for the promotion and dissemination of education and prevention messages that we hope will inspire and engage local communities to recognize the importance of early awareness of the risks and dangers of diabetes. The aim is to build awareness among children and young people of the warning signs and risk factors for diabetes and that in many cases type 2 diabetes can be prevented through healthy eating and physical activity."

The three key messages of the campaign are:

1. Access to essential education for everyone
2. The way we live is putting our health at risk
3. People with diabetes face stigma and discrimination.

So today, wear blue or pin on your blue circle. Represent IDF's mission to spread knowledge about diabetes care, prevention and a cure.

To learn more about the 2012 WDD campaign, click here.