14th of November is observed as the World Diabetes Day every year, in order to raise
public awareness of diabetes and related complications, as well as its prevention
and care, including through education and the mass media. Diabetes is a devastating
disease, striking with the strength of an epidemic and exhibiting characteristics
of an infectious disease. Over 246 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes,
122 million of whom are women. Women are uniquely affected by the disease. Physically,
the risk of coronary heart disease, as well as diabetes ketoacidosis, is 50% higher
for women than men. Women exhibit increased odds of developing depression because
of diabetes. Socially, and structurally, women in most countries face gender inequalities,
stigma and discrimination; diabetic women may be denied access to medical care,
rejected as wives or be considered undesirable partners.
