World Diabetes Day 2015

World Diabetes Day (WDD) is celebrated every year on November 14. The World Diabetes Day campaign is led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its member associations. It engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy and awareness. 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. World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2007 with the passage of United Nation Resolution 61/225. The campaign draws attention to issues of paramount importance to the diabetes world and keeps diabetes firmly in the public spotlight.

World Diabetes Day is a campaign that features a new theme chosen by the International Diabetes Federation each year to address issues facing the global diabetes community. While the themed campaigns last the whole year, the day itself is celebrated 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 1921.

Diabetes SA

Diabetes South Africa is a non-profit organization, funded in 1969 to be a support and an advocate for all people with diabetes in South Africa.

Diabetes SA has a National Office in Johannesburg and 8 branches around the country. Branches are run primarily by volunteers drawn from the ranks of the membership base.

Their work includes:

• Informing, encouraging and supporting all people who have diabetes and their families.
• Acting as an advocate for people with diabetes, lobbying for better facilities, cheaper medication and better services.
• Promoting public awareness of diabetes, its symptoms and risks.

Source: www.diabetessa.co.za