World Diabetes Day 2007
November 14, 2007.
Mirta Roses Periago *
Diabetes is one of the main health problems in the Americas, a situation that is growing more
serious every day. In 2001, diabetes was the fourth leading cause of death in Latin America and the
Caribbean, and today it is already the leading cause in some countries. The human and economic toll
of this disease is enormous. Therefore, today, World Diabetes Day, we are issuing a call to fight the
epidemic.
It is estimated that by the year 2030, the number of people with diabetes in our countries will have
risen from 13.3 million to 32.9 million--that is, the figure will more than double. Estimates indicate
that in the year 2000, diabetes in Latin America and the Caribbean was responsible for $65 billion in
direct and indirect costs, and in the United States the figure was $132 billion for that same period.
In the coming years the impact will be even greater, as a result of the increase in the prevalence
of obesity in many countries and its importance as a risk factor for diabetes. In fact, the increase
in diabetes prevalence in the United States has been explained by a similar increase in the proportion
of obese people.
Furthermore, the problem is increasingly affecting young people. In recent years, an increase in
the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes has been reported in children and adolescents in the United
States. This is due to the rise in obesity, due to changes in diet and a substantial reduction in
physical activity among children and adolescents. Similar changes are occurring in Latin America and the
Caribbean, although obesity in children and adolescents is still not at U.S. levels.
PAHO’s Strategy and Plan of Action for the Prevention and Control of Chronic Diseases promote better
diabetes prevention and control in the Region. Emphasis is placed on the organization of services,
access to diagnostic methods and treatment, and prevention.
Individuals and families can contribute to this effort by adopting healthier lifestyles, switching to
a better diet -especially vegetables and fruits, and increasing their physical activity. Thus, the slogan
for our campaign against obesity, with the help of noted partners such as Don Francisco, is “Eat healthy,
live well, and get moving America!”
PAHO also has several projects under way to fight diabetes in Central America, the Andean Countries,
and the Caribbean, as well as Veracruz, Mexico; and both sides of the U.S. Mexico border, with the
endorsement of all the countries and the invaluable and generous support of our partners and allies.
PAHO will continue to facilitate coordination and communication to pool efforts and meet the diabetes
challenge. On World Diabetes Day, we are asking for your help at the individual, local, national, and
international level. We are counting on your support and advocacy to safeguard your health and that of
your community.
* Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
Dr. Roses article published in Caribbean Net News,
Original Publication, celebrating World Diabetes Day 2007.
First
United Nations World Diabetes Day unites global diabetes community to fight the epidemic. (english version)
Media in the Region:
Diario Extra. Costa Rica.
La Prensa. Nicaragua.
El Universo. Ecuador.
El Caribe. República Dominicana.
Diario El Peruano. Perú
For
more information, please contact Diaz, Eng. Katia(WDC) y/o
Castro, Mr. Agustin (WDC), Director's Office.
