QDA Launches World Diabetes Day Campaign 2024. The Qatar Diabetes Association (QDA) has kicked off its annual campaign in recognition of World Diabetes Day (WDD), celebrated globally on November 14.
This initiative is part of a larger global effort led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), with participation from diabetes organizations worldwide, including the QDA.
Created in 1991 by the IDF in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Diabetes Day aims to address the growing concerns surrounding the rising prevalence of diabetes and its impact on global health.
This year campaign carries the theme “Diabetes & Wellbeing,” emphasizing the intersection of diabetes management and overall quality of life. The campaign seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals with diabetes and to advocate for better care and support systems to enhance their health outcomes.
As diabetes continues to affect millions globally, the 2024 campaign strives to shine a spotlight on critical issues and mobilize communities to take action.
A Focus on Lives and Wellbeing
The 2024 World Diabetes Day campaign highlights three key aspects of living with diabetes. The first aspect focuses on the daily lives of diabetics, recognizing the challenges that millions of people with diabetes face in managing their condition at home, work, and school.
Living with diabetes requires a high degree of flexibility, organization, and responsibility, which can affect every part of a person life and often impact their physical and emotional wellbeing. The campaign aims to raise awareness of these challenges and promote strategies that help individuals lead healthier, more balanced lives.
The second aspect emphasizes the importance of comprehensive diabetes care. Quality diabetes care involves not only managing blood sugar levels but also providing the necessary support to help individuals live well with the condition.
This includes education, resources, and healthcare infrastructure that enable diabetics to make informed decisions and manage their condition effectively. By ensuring access to these essential tools, the QDA hopes to empower individuals and improve the long-term outcomes of diabetes management.
Lastly, the campaign prioritizes the need for a collective effort to enhance the quality of life for diabetics. This means focusing on preventive measures, promoting healthy lifestyles, and fostering supportive environments that enable people with diabetes to thrive.
By making diabetic care and support a priority, the global community can reduce the burden of diabetes on individuals and healthcare systems alike.
Growing Burden of Diabetes
As part of the campaign, Dr. Abdulla Al Hamaq, Executive Director of the Qatar Diabetes Association, addressed the alarming statistics surrounding the global diabetes epidemic. “The facts and figures of diabetes reveal an escalating global burden that affects both individuals and countries,” Dr. Al Hamaq noted.
“According to the International Diabetes Federation, around 537 million adults between the ages of 20 and 79 are currently living with diabetes. By 2045, this number is projected to rise to 783 million, representing an increase of 46%.”
Dr. Al Hamaq pointed out that more than 90% of diabetes cases are classified as Type II diabetes, which is largely driven by a combination of social, economic, environmental, and genetic factors. The increase in Type II diabetes is closely linked to modern lifestyle factors, such as low levels of physical activity, weight gain, and the prevalence of obesity.
However, Dr. Al Hamaq stressed that there are ways to mitigate the impact of diabetes through preventive measures, early diagnosis, and appropriate care. “It is possible to reduce the impact of diabetes through early interventions and education,” he said. “World Diabetes Day provides a unique opportunity for the global diabetes community to raise its collective voice and advocate for greater awareness, prevention, and treatment.”
Qatar Diabetes Walkathon and Other Key Events
In conjunction with the World Diabetes Day campaign, the Qatar Diabetes Association will host several events aimed at raising awareness and promoting healthy living. One of the most anticipated events is the Diabetes Walkathon, which will take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Aspire Park.
Now in its 18th edition, the Walkathon has become a fixture in Qatar annual health calendar, drawing the participation of government leaders, healthcare professionals, students, and members of the public. The event encourages individuals and organizations to unite in support of diabetes awareness and healthy lifestyle choices.
Dr. Al Hamaq called on the wider community to participate in the Walkathon and other activities, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts from government agencies, civil society institutions, schools, sports clubs, media outlets, and individuals.
“It’s essential for everyone to join this effort,” he stated. “Together, we can create a broader awareness about diabetes, its risks, and how to prevent it.”
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Another significant event organized by QDA is the Annual Medical Conference on “Diabetes Comorbidities and Complications”, which will be held on November 8-9, 2024, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
The conference will focus on the treatment of diabetes, related complications, advances in technology, and preventive strategies. Experts from around the world will gather to discuss the latest research and best practices in diabetes management.
Global Call to Action
As diabetes continues to pose a serious health threat worldwide, the Qatar Diabetes Association campaign for World Diabetes Day 2024 underscores the importance of raising awareness, improving care, and advocating for prevention.
The QDA commitment to educating the public, supporting diabetics, and fostering a healthier community is part of a broader global effort to combat diabetes and its complications. By focusing on wellbeing, the campaign highlights the need for comprehensive care that goes beyond medical treatment.
It calls for a societal shift towards healthier lifestyles, better support systems, and increased collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public.
As the world comes together on November 14 to mark World Diabetes Day, Qatar’s efforts to combat the rising tide of diabetes serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and collective action in the fight against this global health challenge.