Statistics suggest that 10% of adults worldwide are living with diabetes, with 75% of those living in low- and middle-income countries.
14th November sees the world mark the annual World Diabetes Day. This health awareness day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the growing global health threat of diabetes. World Diabetes Day also became an official United Nations Day in 2006, increasing awareness and reach.
World Diabetes Day takes place on the same date each year. 14th November was chosen as it was the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of three people who discovered insulin.
According to the IDF, World Diabetes Day is the world's most extensive diabetes awareness campaign, with an audience of over one billion citizens across more than 160 countries.
The IDF says that 10% of adults worldwide are living with diabetes. WHO data shows this number has grown from 4.7% in 1980 and 8.5% in 2014.
The same organisation reports that:
One notable feature of global diabetes prevalence is that most people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. This is perhaps the most crucial element of diabetes awareness and prevention, as type 2 diabetes is mostly preventable if we:
An even starker statistic comes from diabetes.co.uk, which suggests as many as 46% of people with diabetes may be undiagnosed. As the symptoms of diabetes are often less apparent in people with type 2 diabetes, we can safely assume most of this number is such patients.
With diabetes known to be a significant contributor to blindness, kidney diseases, heart disease, and stroke, hundreds of millions of people are potentially unaware they're at increased risk. Many people who receive a diabetes diagnosis have lived with the condition for years without realising it. As such, they are already dealing with complications and other associated health problems.
According to the WHO:
While it's clear that diabetes is a significant global health issue, the fact that most cases are type 2 diabetes means dealing with it is achievable. Studies have shown, for example, that it is possible to reduce the symptoms and even reverse diabetes entirely by losing weight and adopting healthier nutrition habits.
Like other world health days, including World Mental Health Day and World Patient Safety Day, World Diabetes Day combines "big picture" objectives with a specific focus every year.
The overall aims of World Diabetes Day are to:
From 2021 to 2023, World Diabetes Day is focusing on "Access to Diabetes Care."
One of the most significant factors in diabetes care is the lack of awareness among patients that they may have diabetes. Such people are more likely to present at medical facilities in emergencies, putting added strain on healthcare systems. Similarly, they may face complications if being treated for other conditions if they’re unaware of their diabetes.
A key message from the IDF is that healthcare professionals must know how to detect and diagnose diabetes as early as possible. And, post-diagnosis, they can maximise their time to provide the best possible advice and care.
The IDF also notes that in more than 95% of cases, people with diabetes look after and manage their condition themselves. People in this situation must have access to ongoing education and resources to understand their condition and what they can do to stay healthy and avoid complications.
While World Diabetes Day is a global event, diabetes awareness organisations, charities, and healthcare providers in different countries typically organise local events.
While the IDF website has suggestions for getting involved in World Diabetes Day 2023, whether from an individual or an employer’s perspective, it’s also worth looking up what’s happening in your location.