Since 1991, World Diabetes Day has brought together millions of people around the world every November 14. Organized by the International Diabetes Federation and supported by the World Health Organization, it aims to raise public awareness of this chronic disease that appears when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body uses it poorly.
In 2011, the WHO counted 347 million people with diabetes worldwide. “In 2004, an estimated 3.4 million people died from the consequences of high fasting blood sugar. In 2010, the number of deaths was comparable. More than 80% of diabetes deaths occur in countries with low or middle income, declares the organization. About 150 countries and 190 member associations of the International Diabetes Federation and other public health actors mobilize each year for this day. The date was set for November 14 to celebrate the birthday of Frederick Banting, the scientist who, together with Charles Best, developed the theory behind the discovery of insulin in 1922.
Several Parisian hospitals, such as Lariboisière hospital where the Paris Saint-Joseph hospital group organize free screening days as well as conferences on various topics. find the map of local initiatives closer to you throughout the month of November on the website of the French Association of Diabetics and follow the countdown on World Diabetes Day Facebook page.
