World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day History

World Diabetes Day is a globally celebrated event that seeks to enhance awareness about diabetes, a chronic health condition affecting millions of people worldwide. This global event aims to promote better management, prevention, and education on diabetes. With its focus on prevention and control, World Diabetes Day highlights the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and lifestyle changes to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for those living with the disease.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) created World Diabetes Day in 1991 to respond to the escalating health threat posed by the disease. In the United Kingdom, diabetes affects an estimated 4.9 million people, and it is predicted to reach 5.3 million by 2025. Furthermore, around 13.6% of the UK population are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Raising awareness about diabetes in the UK is critical due to the steadily increasing number of people affected and the associated health risks.

Various events and activities are organised in the United Kingdom to mark World Diabetes Day. These may include information sessions, seminars, fundraisers, and health checks to raise awareness of the condition and promote healthy lifestyles. Charities and community groups across the country contribute to this observance by hosting events and sharing educational resources. World Diabetes Day takes place annually on the 14th of November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the scientists credited with the discovery of insulin – a hormone integral to managing diabetes.

World Diabetes Day facts

• The theme for World Diabetes Day in 2023 was Access to diabetes care.
• According to HealthData.org, as of June 2023, more than half a billion people live with diabetes worldwide.
• More than 80% of deaths related to diabetes occur in low and middle income countries.
• Diabetes is estimated to cost the UK's National Health Service (NHS) around £10 billion each year, which accounts for about 10% of its total budget. This includes both direct costs of managing the condition and indirect costs such as lost work productivity.
• Approximately 12% of people with diabetes in the UK are undiagnosed, meaning there could be around half a million people living with the condition without knowing it.

In the News and Trending in the UK for World Diabetes Day

Top things to do in the UK for World Diabetes Day

• Visit your doctor if you are overweight, obese, do not regularly exercise and do not eat a balanced diet. These are all factors that can cause diabetes.
• Learn about ways to control and lower the risk of developing diabetes. The American Diabetes Association provides some great ways to reduce your risk which include:
  1) Eat a healthy balanced diet
  2) Exercise regularly
  3) Ensure that you are not overweight or obese
  4) Remove unnecessary processed foods with high sugar content from your diet
  5) Get checked for high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
• Blue is the official color of World Diabetes Day. Encourage individuals and organizations to wear blue clothes or accessories on this day to show support for people living with diabetes. Share pictures on social media using hashtags like #BlueForDiabetes or #WorldDiabetesDay.
• Reach out to your local representatives and policymakers to raise awareness about diabetes-related issues. Share information about the importance of diabetes prevention, affordable care, and increased support for research and treatment.