Importance of diabetes day

Today, 14 November, is World Diabetes Day. The date for the primary global awareness campaign for the condition was chosen because it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921.

World Diabetes Day was started in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to the alarming rise in diabetes. In 2007 it became an official United Nations World Health Day.  

The IDF estimates that more than 300 million people worldwide are at risk of type 2 diabetes. The condition already imposes lifelong demands on the 250 million people now living with diabetes and their families so it is vital that they receive ongoing, high-quality diabetes education tailored to their needs and delivered by skilled health professionals.

This year is the first of a five-year campaign that will address the growing need for diabetes education and prevention.The campaign calls on all those responsible for diabetes care to improve their knowledge so that evidence-based recommendations are put into practice. Governments are to be encouraged to implement effective strategies and policies to prevent and manage the condition.

For the general public the campaign is a call to understand the serious impact of diabetes and to know, where possible, how to avoid or delay diabetes and its complications.

The event brings together millions of people in over 160 countries and a range of activities are planned to highlight the day. You might look out for the campaign logo, which is a blue circle. Some monuments and public buildings will also be illuminated in blue. There will be in-school activities, sports events, workshops, commemorative coins and even a World Diabetes Day car in the Baja 1,000 race in Mexico.