Hope is blue

Hope is blue

By Jessica Jinah Song

Photo by Maria Belen Farias

Four years ago, UF became the first university in the nation to hold a lighting ceremony in recognition of World Diabetes Day and Diabetes Awareness Month. Since then, the UF Diabetes Center of Excellence has held the ceremony and other events annually to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of diabetes. On Nov. 18, Century Tower at UF glowed blue once again, surrounded by students, faculty, staff and community members. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are almost 26 million Americans who have diabetes. In adults, type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90 percent of all diagnosed cases of diabetes. “The lighting of the tower is a commitment that symbolizes the continuous role of UF toward improving lives of the people afflicted with diabetes,” said Desmond Schatz, M.D., medical director of the UF Diabetes Center of Excellence. “It symbolizes vigorous and enthusiastic hope, which will lead to preventing, reducing and curing the disease.” For more on this story, visit the College of Medicine Insider.