UN Resolves to Tackle Diabetes

11.58.51am GMT Tue 20th Feb 2007

The UN passed a landmark resolution to combat the global threat of diabetes

Local representatives have joined together to praise the United Nations' move to tackle diabetes.

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a landmark Resolution recognising the global threat of the diabetes epidemic. For the first time, governments have acknowledged that a non-infectious disease poses as serious a threat to world health as infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

Diabetes UK joined forces with over 150 other diabetes related organisations throughout the world to back the International Diabetes Federations (IDF) Unite for Diabetes campaign. The Resolution draws attention to the seriousness of diabetes and encourages action to fight the epidemic.

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has been involved locally with Diabetes UK in Poole. She said:

"Diabetes affects many of my constituents and I commend the UN for acknowledging the threat that it poses to the health of the world's citizens.

"I hope that governments around the world will take this opportunity to develop national strategies to improve diabetes care and prevention for their people."

Neill Evans, member of the Poole group for Diabetes UK, said:

"We are delighted that the Resolution has been adopted by the United Nations. For too long diabetes has not been viewed as a priority in the UK, let alone in the developing world.

"This is hugely encouraging for the millions of people around the world with diabetes. We hope that the Resolution sends out a clear message that all nations need to prioritise the care of people with diabetes."

Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK said:

"Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate and the cost to both individuals and the healthcare system is huge. There are currently 2.2 million people in the UK diagnosed with the condition and up to a further 750,000 people who have Type 2 diabetes, but don't yet know it. As is too often the case, it is the poorest who are being hit hardest. Diabetes UK is delighted that the UN has recognised that diabetes is a serious condition that has reached epidemic proportions and that urgent action needs to be taken to halt the increase, both here and globally."

ENDS

For more information contact Claire Francis at Diabetes UK on 020 7424 1120 or call the duty press officer on 07711 176028.

Notes to editor:

Diabetes UK is the charity for people with diabetes. We fund medical research, provide information and support to people with diabetes and campaign on their behalf.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is an organization of 200 member associations in more than 150 countries, representing millions of people with diabetes, their families, and their healthcare providers. Its mission is to promote diabetes care, prevention and a cure worldwide. IDF leads the 'Unite for Diabetes' awareness campaign.

For information about the Unite for Diabetes campaign visit www.unitefordiabetes.org

There are currently over two million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK.

The Diabetes UK Careline (0845 120 2960) offers information and support on any aspect of managing diabetes. The line is a lo-call number and opens Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm (operates a translation service). Recorded information on a number of diabetes-related topics is also available on this number 24 hours a day.

Membership of Diabetes UK is from £22/ year with special rates available. In addition to our bi-monthly magazine Balance, members receive support and the latest information on diabetes care and treatments to help them live a healthy life.