The Álava Diabetes Association (ADA) This morning he had a vibrant day in the Plaza de la Virgen Blanca in Vitoria-Gasteiz on the occasion of World Day Diabetes. The rain that was expected for the entire day has given a respite to the heart of the city, which since 10:00 has been filled with activities and color to raise awareness about this chronic disease.
The central point has been a information tent where the association has sold t-shirts and a lottery. In addition, nursing students have installed tables to carry out glucose controls, which many citizens have taken advantage of to take rapid tests, ask questions and receive advice.
Accompanying this more technical part, there has been a very attractive recreational offer: face painting, balloon twisting and children’s games for the most txikis, who have especially attracted the attention of families.
Members of the association have carried out brief tests to check how much citizens know about this disease that It affects more than 21,000 people in Álava.
Throughout the morning, the association has also offered information about the different types of diabetes, its symptoms, treatments and complications.
The energy of the event has grown with a zumba session, in which Gasteiztarras and several volunteers have participated openly. At 1:00 p.m. a solidarity rafflewith prizes like a Deportivo Alavés t-shirt, tickets for Baskonia or five-liter bottles of oil. All donated by local collaborators, to reinforce social awareness and raise funds for ADA. The tent has been completed by volunteers from Weaving the Vitoria.
Throughout the morning, the association has also offered information on the different Types of diabetes, its symptoms, treatments and complications. The day closed at 1:15 p.m. with the reading of the will, which had the firm purpose of raising awareness and promoting self-care.
Diabetes in Álava
It is estimated that 21,059 people in Álava live with diabetes, according to data from November last year. At the Basque Country level, around 172,000 people suffer diabetes, a disease that affects 7.5% of the population and each year around 9,000 cases are diagnosed in the Basque Country, Type 2 being the most common, since 90% of people with diabetes suffer from it.
On the other hand, the type 1 diabetes is increasing among younger people in Alava territory. According to the ADA, there are 58 minors under 17 years of age associates who suffer from this type of diabetes, and a growth has been observed in diagnoses among children of four and five years. Furthermore, every year in the Basque Country, nearly 9,000 new casesand the majority are type 2.
The Álava Diabetes Association works all year round to accompany those who suffer from it, offer practical guidance (diet, exercise, stress management) and demand better health resources for diagnosis and treatment.
To face this reality, the Department of Health and Osakidetza promote not only early detection, but also patient training. Through workshops such as those of Active Patient (Live Patient), Emotional management, self-care, healthy habits and strategies to improve quality of life are taught.
