Diabetes Awareness Month 2017

Diabetes awareness month 2017 is upon us already and this year's theme, set by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is 'Women and the Right to a Healthy Future'. Of course, it goes without saying that everyone has the right to a healthy future, but every year there is a particular area or focus chosen to promote for the month that highlights the condition of diabetes.

The IDF estimates that 1 in 10 women globally has diabetes which equates to 199 million with the condition world wide. Amongst this, 1 in 7 births is affected by gestational diabetes. I personally was surprised to read that diabetes related complications were the ninth cause of deaths amongst women globally. IDF wishes healthcare to focus on type 2 diabetes prevention strategies, maternal health and nutrition during pregnancy, infancy and childhood because of the great influence that mothers can have on the next generation for good health habits.

The picture below represents some very inspirational women that I have met along my diabetes journey, and the photo is from an event that we attended, organised by Miranda from JDRF UK (right). I was asked to give a talk that evening at the Ladies' Night event, about my diabetes. I decided to take the opportunity to talk about the women that have helped me along the way, who have supported, been role models, been providers, educators and inspirations to myself and each other. So this Diabetes Awareness Month and beyond long may we continue to support each other in our right to a healthy future.