UN to observe World Diabetes Day

American Diabetes Association says

Nov. 14 marks first time United Nations will participate

HONOLULU — With more than 110,000 people diagnosed with diabetes in Hawai‘i, 20.8 million within the United States and more than 246 million people worldwide, the General Assembly of the United Nations has opted to recognize Diabetes Day, Nov. 14.

In December, the UN passed a landmark resolution recognizing diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease. Another 54 million people have pre-diabetes.

The UN Resolution on diabetes asks supporters to fight the diabetes epidemic through public awareness and the development of policies for the prevention, treatment, and care of the disease. Prior to the official designation by the UN, the International Diabetes Federation — of which the American Diabetes Association is a member — had been observing World Diabetes Day on its own at the global level since 1991, with co-sponsorship of the World Health Organization.

“This year’s observance of World Diabetes Day will bring even greater attention to the burden of diabetes,” Laurie Tom, M.D. and president of the Volunteer Leadership Council of the American Diabetes Association in Hawai‘i, said in a prepared statement.

“We are proud to support this day and bring much needed attention to the seriousness of diabetes both globally and nationally.”

The American Diabetes Association is the nation’s premier voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy.

Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. Its mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

For more information, visit www.diabetes.org or call

1-800-DIABETES.