Matthaei S, Munro N, Zinman B
Diabetes-Zentrum Quakenbrück, Christliches Krankenhaus Quakenbrück, Germany.
Int J Clin Pract Suppl. 2007 Dec(157):31-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2007.01611.x.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with severe complications, and has been recognised as such by the United Nations (UN). But despite being a leading cause of death and serious disability worldwide, the public often perceive T2DM as a relatively mild condition. Furthermore, many people do not know that T2DM is preventable and that steps can be taken to minimise the risk of developing the disease. Improved public awareness of T2DM and its link with obesity and physical inactivity is critical, not only to prevention but also management of diabetes. Recognising this need, the UN has issued a resolution calling on member states to observe World Diabetes Day and implement education and mass media initiatives to raise public awareness of diabetes and its complications. This article reviews selected local, national and international public awareness campaigns to illustrate the range of initiatives that together can work towards the goals of the UN Resolution. By building understanding of diabetes, changing beliefs and attitudes and promoting positive behaviours, such initiatives can help combat the global diabetes epidemic and improve the health and wellbeing of people.
2型糖尿病（T2DM）是一种慢性、使人衰弱且代价高昂的疾病，伴有严重并发症，联合国（UN）已认识到这一点。但尽管它是全球死亡和严重残疾的主要原因之一，公众通常认为T2DM是一种相对较轻的病症。此外，许多人不知道T2DM是可预防的，也不知道可以采取措施将患该疾病的风险降至最低。提高公众对T2DM及其与肥胖和身体活动不足之间联系的认识至关重要，这不仅对于糖尿病的预防，而且对于糖尿病的管理都很关键。认识到这一需求后，联合国发布了一项决议，呼吁成员国纪念世界糖尿病日，并开展教育和大众媒体活动，以提高公众对糖尿病及其并发症的认识。本文回顾了一些本地、国家和国际公众意识宣传活动，以说明一系列共同努力可朝着联合国决议目标迈进的举措。通过增进对糖尿病的了解、改变观念和态度以及促进积极行为，此类举措有助于抗击全球糖尿病流行，并改善人们的健康和福祉。
