November 14: World Diabetes Day

Contrary to popular belief, diabetes is not a 'rich man's' disease, as the number of diabetics in developing countries is on the rise. According to the World Health Organization, 366 million people will be affected by diabetes by 2030.

Developing countries will be hardest hit, where the prevalence of diabetes is SET to increase by 170 percent over the next 30 years, compared with 42 percent in developed countries.
Diabetes is a disabling disease that can cause impairments. Left untreated, it can have serious and even fatal consequences. In fact, diabetes is the second leading cause of amputations in the world.
Unfortunately, health systems in developing countries are poorly prepared to case-manage people with diabetes. As a result, Handicap International has made it a top priority to build the capacities of health systems in the Philippines, East Africa and Nicaragua.

The organization trains and supports local health operators to screen for the disease and case-manage diabetics. It also performs awareness-raising actions to prevent impairments caused by the disease. Handicap International also offers orthopedic-fitting solutions (prostheses and orthoses) and rehabilitation sessions for amputees.

• 1.1 million people learned about diabetes

• 18,500 people with diabetes directly benefited from Handicap International's activities and those of its partners

• 1,153 professionals received training.