Boston Scientific Corporation announced its official sponsorship of "World Diabetes Day" for the second year in a row. The program is organized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and represents its primary global awareness campaign in the fight against diabetes.
The IDF is a worldwide alliance of more than 200 diabetes associations in 160 countries who share a mission of enhancing the lives of people with diabetes. It promotes appropriate diabetes care, prevention and the pursuit of a cure through activities such as World Diabetes Day, which will be observed on November 14.
"As a global leader in the medical device industry and a company committed to improving lives, we have a responsibility to support critical health initiatives like World Diabetes Day," said David McFaul, Boston Scientific Senior Vice President, International. "Many of our employees see first hand the devastating impact diabetes can have on patients and their families. We're proud to continue our support of this important campaign with numerous activities planned at Boston Scientific sites around the globe intended to promote diabetes awareness and education."
"We are very pleased to have Boston Scientific again this year as an ambassador of World Diabetes Day," said Mario Fetz, Director of External Relations of the International Diabetes Federation. "As a respected member of the medical technology community, we welcome Boston Scientific's expertise, resources and participation as an Official Partner in the International Diabetes Federation's global campaign for World Diabetes Day. This year the campaign will focus on education and prevention, calling on all those responsible for diabetes care — governments, health care professionals, people with diabetes and the general public — to understand diabetes and take control." .
Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating disease, which poses severe risks and costs for people with diabetes, their families and the health care community. The IDF estimates that more than 246 million people worldwide have diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 380 million within 20 years. The burden on health care systems is substantial, with estimated costs of diabetes-related complications accounting for 5 – 10 percent of total global health care spending. The United Nations has recognized diabetes as a global threat — the first time for a non-infectious disease.
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death and disability in diabetic patients, accounting for some 50 percent of all diabetes fatalities. People with diabetes and coronary artery disease often have poorer outcomes after revascularization procedures (stenting, angioplasty) due to the increased likelihood of blockage due to plaque formation in small, difficult-to-reach vessels.
As part of its support, Boston Scientific will once again participate in the IDF World Diabetes Day Monument Challenge by temporarily illuminating its corporate headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts and changing the color of its Internet homepage to blue in recognition of World Diabetes Day on November 14.
Boston Scientific will further support World Diabetes Day with activities at company facilities around the world, including free diabetes screenings for employees and Lunch and Learn Sessions.
