On the evening of Monday, November 14, 2016, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandirs across North America were was illuminated in blue to show support for the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign, World Diabetes Day. The Mandir joined iconic landmarks, monuments and buildings all over the world as part of the international campaign to raise awareness for diabetes.
Presently, approximately 415 million adults have diabetes, and by 2040, that number is estimated to rise to an alarming 642 million. In North America and the Caribbean alone, 344 million people aged 20-79 are estimated to be affected due to a variety of reasons including nutritional deficiencies, obesity, poor diet, chronic illnesses, heredity and autoimmune reactions. While high sugar levels are dangerous, the impact that they have on other diseases that afflict one’s body is also very crucial to consider. Amidst the threat that this illness poses to a vast number of people, the International Diabetes Federation is making bold strides to increase awareness worldwide, with BAPS as a strong supporter of this cause.