Newswise — (Seattle — Nov. 7, 2012), On Nov. 14th, World Diabetes Day, 12 Puget Sound area diabetes organizations and landmarks will identify Seattle as a global leader in diabetes research and clinical care by joining the “Blue Monument Challenge.” The event raises awareness for diabetes by lighting monuments and buildings throughout the world blue. The Arches at the Pacific Science Center, Century Link Field and Cheney Stadium will join more than 300 global icons including the Empire State Building and the Sydney Opera House to mark the event by going blue.
The Puget Sound World Diabetes Day celebration will take place between 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the South Lake Union Discovery Center. The private event will feature Gerald Nepom, MD, PhD, an internationally recognized leader in diabetes research and Director of Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason. The press is invited to attend the evening reception. People with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes will be available prior to and at the event for interviews. They vary in age from children to adults and each have a unique, inspiring story.
Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating disease affecting nearly 500,000 people in Washington State and 220 million people worldwide and continues to increase. World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes and engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO), World Diabetes Day is celebrated on Nov. 14 to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for people with diabetes. The Puget Sound World Diabetes Day event is a collaborative effort of local organizations committed to improving the lives of people with diabetes and those at risk. Unique in the world for its size and scope, the committee includes Abbott Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association, Animas Corporation, Benaroya Research Institute, Insulet Corporation, JDRF, Lilly USA, Lions Clubs International, Mary Bridge Children’s Health Center, Medtronic MiniMed, Novo Nordisk, Pacific Medical Centers, The Polyclinic, Sanofi USA, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, University of Washington Diabetes Research Center, Virginia Mason Medical Center and YLC Northwest.
For more information on World Diabetes Day, including event details and participating organizations, please visit www.benaroyaresearch.org/wdd
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