11/10/2007 9:43:00 AM Blue circle pin to promote diabetes awareness day
* photo supplied.
Symbolic: Sarah Burrows, programme manager for the Bermuda Diabetes Association, unveils the new symbol for diabetes awareness as part of the preparation for World Diabete Day on November 14.
For more info
Contact the Bermuda Diabetes Association by e-mail at bda@northrock.bm, or by calling 297-8427.
The Bermuda Diabetes Association will participate in World Diabetes Day on November 14, but this is the first year the day will be recognized by the UN. The day will be marked by people around the world with a new universal symbol for diabetes, a blue circle.
On December 20 last year, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution recognizing diabetes as "a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with major complications that pose severe risks for families, countries and the entire world."
Diabetes is the first chronic illness to be recognized by the UN, according to the group.
November 14 has been chosen as World Diabetes Day because it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited for the discovery of insulin.
World Diabetes Day occurs every November 14, as part of Diabetes Awareness Month.
The theme of this year's events is "Diabetes in Children and Adolescents."
"We hope that people will wear the blue circle pins as a way to raise awareness for the disease, which affects 8,000 Bermudians," said Sarah Burrows, programme manager for the Bermuda Diabetes Association.
