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World Diabetes Day
November 9, 2023 | Altura Blog
Topic: Customer Service HR Management Teamwork & Leadership
In 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization established World Diabetes Day (WDD) to address the growing health threat of diabetes. Recognized as an official United Nations Day in 2006, World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14, coinciding with the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, alongside Charles Best, co-discovered insulin in 1922.
WDD has evolved into the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign, reaching over 1 billion people in 160+ countries. It serves as a vital platform for IDF advocacy throughout the year and acts as a global driver to emphasize the need for coordinated efforts against diabetes as a critical global health issue.
Around one quarter of all people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have diabetes (NDSS, Diabetes management in aged care). These people may have lived with the condition for many years and may be living with comorbidities and diabetes related complications. As a result, care is often complex.
For older people living in residential aged care, helping them maintain the best quality of life should be the main principle of diabetes management. Monitoring blood glucose levels is one way to do
this, but it is just part of an overall management plan. Diabetes care requires a balance between
healthy eating, physical activity and medicines, such as tablets and/or insulin. Stress, illness and
other comorbidities can also have an effect on a resident’s diabetes.
Diabetes management needs to be tailored to the residents’ needs through discussion between the doctor, the resident and/or their family. This information needs to be reviewed regularly and changes
documented in order to ensure resident safety and quality of life. (NDSS, Diabetes management in aged care)
Each year, WDD focuses on a specific theme. From 2021 to 2023, the campaign centers around “Access to Diabetes Care.” This thematic approach aims to draw attention to key issues within the diabetes world, ensuring that diabetes remains a prominent concern in both public and political spheres.
Discover the range of courses that Altura Learning offers on topic of diabetes here.
If you would like to find out more about Altura Learning content relating to diabetes, please reach out to our customer service team:
