American Diabetes Association celebrates World Diabetes Day

ALEXANDRIA, Va. Joining the International Diabetes Federation to raise awareness about the chronic disease, the American Diabetes Association is celebrating World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14.

This year's World Diabetes Day theme is diabetes education and prevention, and this year's slogan is "Let's Take Control of Diabetes. Now." The campaign highlights diabetes symptoms and prevention measures, the American Diabetes Association said.

Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, American Diabetes Association's president-elect of health care and education, addressed this year's theme, pointing out that "knowing the signs and symptoms of diabetes, both Type 1 and Type 2, can help with early detection and treatment. Type 2 diabetes and many diabetes complications can be prevented or delayed with lifestyle intervention," Mayer-Davis said.

Nov. 14 also marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin.

Nearly 24 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Another 57 million Americans are at risk for Type 2 diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, more than 285 million people worldwide have diabetes.