Sansum Diabetes Research Institute received a Proclamation naming November 14 World Diabetes Day. SDRI CEO & Chief Scientific Officer Lois Jovanovič, M.D. requested Mayor Marty Blum issue the Proclamation to have Santa Barbara join the group of global communities that support UN Resolution 61/225.

The Resolution designates the current World Diabetes Day, November 14, as a United Nations Day to be observed every year beginning in 2007. It calls on relevant local, national and international bodies to fight the diabetes epidemic through public awareness and the development of policies for the prevention, treatment and care of the disease.

Large numbers of individuals with diabetes do not have access to the medication, supplies and education necessary to manage their diabetes and prevent its serious and fatal complications, while many more go undiagnosed. Without concerted action and increased global awareness, the total numbers with diabetes will continue to rise.

Currently, it is estimated that 246 million people worldwide have diabetes. A further 308 million have impaired glucose tolerance, sometimes referred to as pre-diabetes. Santa Barbara has an estimated 14,000 people with diabetes.

Ellen Goodstein, Board Trustee, represented SDRI and accepted the Proclamation at the Santa Barbara City Council meeting Tuesday, November 20.