On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, Dr. Hashemi, Vice-President of Health at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, gave a brief interview emphasizing the importance of self-care and adopting a healthy lifestyle to prevent and control diabetes. 

This special day provides an opportunity for coordinated action and public awareness campaigns, recognizing diabetes as a major global health concern. A national committee dedicated to promoting awareness has been established to engage the public and encourage preventive measures. 

Dr. Hashemi highlighted data from the Diabetes Atlas 2024 published by the International Diabetes Federation, which reports that more than 588 million individuals aged 20 to 79 are living with diabetes worldwide. Projections indicate that by 2050 this figure will rise to 852 million. Alarmingly, studies show that 40 percent of those affected, approximately 250 million people, are unaware of their condition, with the majority (over 87 percent) residing in low- and middle-income countries. 

He further noted that national screenings conducted in 2020 revealed that at least 14 percent of adults over 25 years of age are diabetic. When pre-diabetic cases are included, the figure rises to nearly 20 million. Recent screenings in Tehran Province found that 16 percent of adults over 25 are diabetic, while 26 percent are classified as pre-diabetic. 

The International Diabetes Federation underscores the urgency of timely diagnosis and effective control measures, reporting that every 10 seconds one person dies from diabetes. This chronic disease ranks fourth among the world’s five deadliest conditions. 

Dr. Hashemi also emphasized this year’s theme for World Diabetes Day, “Diabetes During the Life Course,” which reinforces the global commitment to reducing risk and ensuring equitable, high-quality care for all. He added that the Federation has chosen “Diabetes and the Workplace” as its motto, prioritizing workplace health standards and safety indicators to protect staff well-being. 

Throughout this week, the university’s health system is implementing training sessions and seminars for patients, promoting healthy lifestyles, and conducting screenings to identify risk factors in organizations and institutions. Social media and digital platforms are being used to expand outreach and education. 

In closing, Dr. Hashemi invited all individuals over the age of 30, especially those with a family history of diabetes who have not yet checked their health status, to visit health centers for screening, counseling, and professional guidance.