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World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 to raise awareness about diabetes, its effects, and the complications it can cause. Each year, World Diabetes Day is celebrated with a specific theme focused on addressing issues related to diabetes. Diabetes is a preventable, non-communicable disease that is rapidly increasing in prevalence worldwide. Over the years, #WDD has been instrumental in spreading awareness internationally about diabetes and its prevention.
“Millions of Americans today are taking dietary supplements, practicing yoga and integrating other natural therapies into their lives. These are all preventive measures that will keep them out of the doctor’s office and drive down the costs of treating serious problems like heart disease and diabetes.” Andrew Weil
World Diabetes Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 14 | Thursday |
| 2025 | November 14 | Friday |
| 2026 | November 14 | Saturday |
| 2027 | November 14 | Sunday |
| 2028 | November 14 | Tuesday |
History of World Diabetes Day
In 1991, the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established World Diabetes Day to help curb the global rise in diabetes. By 2016, nearly 230 IDF member associations in more than 160 countries were actively participating in World Diabetes Day celebrations. The date, November 14, was chosen to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin and was the first to use it on humans.
The purpose of #WDD is to raise awareness about the growing number of people affected by diabetes worldwide, highlighting both the risk factors and the importance of prevention and treatment. According to WHO reports, approximately 422 million people worldwide are living with diabetes, and nearly 4 million die from the disease each year.
The main goals of #WDD are:
- To support the advocacy efforts of the International Diabetes Foundation throughout the year.
- To emphasize the need for organized, collective action to address diabetes as a critical global health issue.
The celebration is symbolized by a blue circle logo, which was adopted in 2007 following the passage of the UN Resolution on diabetes. This blue circle represents the unity of the global diabetes community in the fight against the disease.
About Diabetes
Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to several complications. Acute complications include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and even death. Serious long-term complications can affect various organs, leading to stroke, cardiovascular disease, foot ulcers, chronic kidney disease, and eye damage.
There are two main types of diabetes:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Also known as insulin-dependent, juvenile, or childhood-onset diabetes, this form of diabetes is primarily caused by a deficiency in insulin production. It most commonly occurs in children.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Also referred to as non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes, this type is typically associated with overweight adults who have low levels of physical activity.
Symptoms of Diabetes
The key symptoms of Diabetes are listed below
- Frequent Urination (Polyuria)
- Increased Thirst (Polydipsia)
- Increased Hunger (Polyphagia)
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Slow healing of cuts/wounds
- Numbness or tingling in feet
Themes of World Diabetes Day
Every year, World Diabetes Day is celebrated with a particular theme. Hence, the current and past themes of #WDD are listed below
2013 – “Protect our Future: Diabetes Education and Prevention.”
2014 – “Go Blue for Breakfast.”
2015 – ‘Healthy Eating.”
2016 – “Eyes on Diabetes.”
2017 – “Women and diabetes – our right to a healthy future.”
2018 – “The Family and Diabetes.”
2019 – “Family and Diabetes.’
2021 – “Access to Diabetes Care.”
2022 – “Access to Diabetes Care.”
2023 – “Access to Diabetes Care.”
2024 – “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps.”
Other Celebrations on November 14
November 14 is also celebrated as
- Childrens Day
- Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day
- National Spicy Guacamole Day
- World Diabetes Day
- National Pickle Day
- Operating Room Nurse Day
- World Quality Day
How to Celebrate the Day
The best way to celebrate World Diabetes Day is by raising awareness about diabetes and its preventive measures. Welfare organizations, companies, and both government and non-government organizations around the world will conduct seminars and events to spread knowledge on diabetes prevention. You can participate in these events, share photos, and help raise awareness on social media by using the hashtags #WDD or #WorldDiabetesDay.