This month the council chose to expand on World Diabetes Month and World Freedom Day. Take some time to learn about the causes of diabetes and the effort put into defeating communism in Europe.

November 14 is World Diabetes Day (WDD), established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation. Each World Diabetes Day focuses on a theme related to diabetes. Topics covered have included, diabetes and human rights, diabetes and obesity, diabetes in disadvantaged areas and diabetes in children and adolescents.

While the campaign lasts all year, the day itself marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, did the early scientific study that led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.

Type 2 (T2D) diabetes is a largely preventable and treatable non-communicable disease that is rapidly increasing in numbers worldwide. Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is a form of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance and relative lack of insulin. Type 2 diabetes primarily occurs because of obesity and lack of exercise.

Common symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms include increased hunger, having a sensation of pins and needles or wounds that heal slowly.

Type 1 diabetes  (T1D) is not preventable but can be managed with an insulin injection. Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease that occurs when pancreatic (beta) cells are destroyed by the body’s immune system. Insulin is a hormone required by the body to store and convert blood sugar into energy. The underlying mechanism involves the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

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World Freedom Day is observed on November 9. It is a United States federal observance declared by President George W. Bush to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communist rule in Central and Eastern Europe.

On World Freedom Day, we remember the hammer blow that brought down the Berlin Wall and the might that lifted the Iron Curtain. These events were not sparked by the words of any single leader, but instead by the people of Europe who spent decades fighting to free themselves and defend democracy.  Together, we recommit ourselves to this cause, knowing that the darkness that drives autocracy is no match for the flame of liberty that lights the souls of free people everywhere.

Next month the IDEAs council will focus on Universal Human Rights Month and International Volunteer Day.

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