In addition to the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, this year also marks 65 years since the foundation of the Slovenian Diabetes Association (SLODA). To celebrate these two important milestones, SLODA has planned a wide range of activities.
Since the beginning of the year, SLODA has been writing , posting and talking about the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin in the association’s diabetes newsletter available on the SLODA website and its Facebook account.
On the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the SLODA and the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, SLODA will publish a special journal in which the association will present the SLODA’s activities as well as a historical perspective on diabetes care, from the discovery of insulin through to the development of new insulins and devices available today.
SLODA will prepare a cartoon illustrating the discovery of insulin and its development to date. As in previous years, SLODA will also actively engage in media programmes, informing the public about how to recognise diabetes. Radio amateurs will conduct a global radio competition to raise awareness of diabetes. In addition, a poster will be produced for World Diabetes Day, which will be printed and distributed to public and medical institutions as well as schools.
SLODA is planning a central event, together with the Jesenice Diabetes Association, on Saturday, November 13, in the Tone Čufar theatre hall in Jesenice, if health conditions permit. Otherwise, a virtual event will be set up, where the journal, as well as special awards, will be presented. People living with diabetes who have been on insulin for more than 50 years will also be sharing their experiences and perspectives.
One of the objectives of all these activities will be to promote the global symbol of diabetes – the blue circle. Every year, when celebrating WDD, SLODA encourages public institutions to illuminate their buildings in blue. As with each year, all Diabetes Associations will participate in this activity and will invite other public institutions (municipalities, associations, hospitals, schools, pharmacies, various companies, etc.) in their local areas to light up their building, landmarks, streets, schools, classrooms, etc., in blue. SLODA will also share the events on its website. This year, SLODA wants to illuminate 100 buildings in blue to symbolise its celebration of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin and as a tribute to the late Alojz Rudolf, who had been a driving force behind the campaign.
The Ministry of Health will prepare a national conference where he will present the new National Diabetes Management Programme 2020–2030, adopted by the Government of the Republic of Slovenia at its session on 24 June 2021. The link is available here.
At the conference, SLODA will report about its work and activities over the past 65 years and will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. SLODA will also take this opportunity to raise awareness about the right for people living with diabetes in Slovenia to access medical devices to manage their condition. They will also promote healthy lifestyles and share the results of their #DatujemKilometer (“I donate kilometers”) campaign that encouraged Slovenians to ride for a good cause and spread the word about diabetes.