Credit: ALD

Initiated by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), World Diabetes Day takes place every year on 14 November to raise awareness of the risks of this chronic disease and what are the possible ways of prevention.

The 2022 edition focuses on the theme "Educate to protect the future", namely to allow better access to quality education on diabetes for health professionals and for people with diabetes. "In Luxembourg, more than 30,000 people are diabetic, and it is important that they have access to effective care systems, but also that they are well informed to understand their condition and take care of themselves on a daily basis", said Paulette Lenert, Luxembourg's Minister of Health.

This year, on the occasion of this World Day, the Ministry of Health wants to draw attention to a health problem linked to type 1 diabetes. The objective is to raise awareness among health professionals, but also families and teachers to the risks of diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe complication of type 1 diabetes, which can be encountered when the symptoms of inaugural diabetes are not recognised and which currently affects 54% of children and adolescents diagnosed with a diabetes. The aim is to avoid any delay in diagnosis that could endanger the lives of children.

The awareness-raising actions planned for the World Day

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, several actions are planned in Luxembourg to raise awareness on this subject:

A solidarity march “10,000 steps against diabetes” is organised by the Association Luxembourgeoise du Diabète (ALD) in collaboration with the Fédération Luxembourgeoise de Marche Populaire (FLMP), and will take place on Saturday 12 November 2022 in Hosingen.

Minister Lenert will take part in an evening of conferences entitled “5 voices to talk about diabetes”, on 14 November 2022 at the Amphithéâtre de la Coque (2, Rue Léon Hengen L-1745 Luxembourg).

Hospitals are also mobilising

On Monday 14 November 2022, several hospitals are organising information sessions on diabetes:

  • Kirchberg Hospital from 11:00 to 14:00
  • The Emile Mayrisch Hospital Center (CHEM) in Esch-sur-Alzette from 08:00 to 16:00
  • The Center Hospitalier du Nord (CHdN) in Ettelbruck from 10:00 to 16:00

The Diabetes House in Diabetes Information and Prevention Help

In Luxembourg, the ALD's Diabetes House (Maison du Diabète) is also an important player, and its mission is to improve the information and education of people with diabetes and those around them. It offers individual support and personalised advice provided by a nurse or dietitian specialised in educating diabetic patients, as well as a wide programme of courses and group information sessions.

Prevention to act on risk factors

According to the definition given by the WHO, diabetes is a chronic disease that appears when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates the concentration of sugar in the blood) or when the body does not use insulin correctly it produces. Untreated or unbalanced diabetes frequently causing hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar concentration) can in the long term lead to irreversible complications (vessels, nerves, eyes, kidneys, etc.).

If there are no ways to prevent type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease, it is however possible to act preventively on type 2 diabetes, which represents the majority of diabetes encountered in the world, and which is often associated with overweight, poor diet and physical inactivity. It is then recommended to:

  • Monitor your Body Mass Index (BMI) which should not exceed 25 in adults
  • Practice regular physical activity or at least move more daily
  • Adopt healthier and more balanced eating habits and consume fewer foods high in fat and sugar, especially sugary drinks and sodas
  • Consult doctors and have blood sugar level monitored if in doubt

Further information on diabetes is available online via visit www.sante.lu and www.ald.lu.