Have you been tested for diabetes?

(CS) Every eight seconds one person dies of diabetes worldwide. This statistic was presented by the ministry of health in light of the upcoming World Diabetes Day.

In order to raise awareness about the disease, its prevention and diagnosis several Luxembourg hospitals and organisations will run special events around World Diabetes Day on November 14, in coordination with the inter-regional Edudora² project.

Health minister Mars Di Bartolomeo said at a press conference that, “we fight together” against, what he called a “real existing pandemic.”

With around 18,000 patients currently undergoing treatment for diabetes in Luxembourg, there are many more expected to suffer from the disease without getting proper treatment or without even being aware of it, as many symptoms can go undetected for a long time.

Dr Roger Wirion, from the Association Luxembourgeoise du Diabète (ALD), said it was necessary to make people take their health into their own hands in order to prevent diabetes, for example through exercise and a healthy nutrition.

Specific problems of the disease, such as the effects of diabetes on pregnancy, special needs for children suffering from diabetes or even implications the disease might have on employment opportunities also need to be addressed, said Wirion.

At an open day on November 13 at Hôtel Parc Belle-Vue the ALD will offer a wide variety of talks and information stands on treatment, nutrition, exercise, as well as a special section for children suffering from diabetes. On November 14 a stand at the Hôtel de Ville Luxembourg will also offer information and advice.

The Zitha Klinik, Kirchberg hospital, the Centre Hopitalier du Nord, as well as the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch will be running additional special events and campaigns.

To find out more about diabetes and the November campaign please visit www.ald.lu and to assess your diabetes risk take the FINDRISK questionnaire on www.sante.lu