World Diabetes Day 2014: prevention and diagnosis

World Diabetes Day 2014

World Diabetes Day is an initiative promoted by the International Diabetes Federation and recognized by the UN. In Italy, it is the largest awareness-raising and information event on diabetes .

In our country the initiatives are coordinated by the Diabete Italia association. Thousands of volunteer doctors, nurses and patients participate in the organization of World Diabetes Day.

The Diabetes Italy association, for the first time, this year has decided to let people with diabetes choose the slogan of Diabetes Day. The consultation was carried out via social media and e-mail; of the over 200 proposals that emerged, it won the slogan: " Diabetes chose me. But I also chose me ". It is an incisive and unsettling slogan.

Nobody obviously chooses to have diabetes. Every day, however, many people with diabetes choose to follow their lifestyle habits that allow them to keep the disease under control: they follow the therapy, eat the right way, measure their blood sugar and look for the right opportunities to move.

There are two types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes . Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, it can only be done to diagnose it early; instead against the onset of type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, one can act by living a healthy and active lifestyle and eating according to the rules of proper nutrition.

On the weekend of 15 and 16 November 2014 there will be events organized on the occasion of World Diabetes Day in around 500 cities in Italy.

Diabetes data today

Type 1 diabetes

Also for 2014, the campaign for World Diabetes Day includes an initiative dedicated to the disease in children, with particular attention to the early diagnosis of type 1 diabetes .

What are the symptoms of type 1 diabetes ?

increased thirst;
urge to urinate frequently;
rapid weight loss.

In the presence of these symptoms, it is advisable to measure your child's blood glucose so that, in the case of a positive diagnosis, action can be taken immediately, thus preventing the serious complications that may arise from uncontrolled diabetes.

If prompt action is not taken, very serious symptoms may appear, such as vomiting, severe weakness, acetone, wheezing and deep sleepiness, up to the coma.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes is diagnosed with a blood test .

At what age does type 1 diabetes appear?

Type 1 diabetes usually occurs before the age of 18; those who suffer from it will therefore have to live with the illness for a long time; it is therefore essential to maintain good blood glucose control without running the risk of going into hypoglycemia.

In fact, those who have diabetes can also experience very low blood sugar levels and the therapy must have twice the purpose of avoiding both levels that are too high and excessive drops in blood glucose. By controlling diabetes well, complications at the organ level can be avoided.

What is the therapy for type 1 diabetes?

The person with type 1 diabetes must follow an adequate diet and lead an active lifestyle . Drug therapy consists of the administration of insulin .

The management of the way of taking and the right dosage is learned by your doctor, who will provide all the information necessary to understand how to use insulin.