World Diabetes Day is held annually on November 14th and is used to bring attention to diabetes and to educate people about the impacts of this disease on human health. This day is observed in over 160 countries and by the more than 230 member associations of the International Diabetes Federation.

History of World Diabetes Day

Diabetes is the general name given to a range of diseases that include type 1 and type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and diabetes insipidus. These diseases all impact how the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone used to balance sugar levels in the bloodstream.

There are several health concerns and complications that can arise from diabetes, including various vascular problems, as well as conditions of the eyes and feet. Modern medicine controls diabetes using diet, weight loss, and insulin replacement medications.

World Diabetes Day was created by a joint venture between the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in 1991. It was created due to the fear of the escalation of the disease in people all over the world. In 2006, the United Nations made it an official holiday when they passed U.N. Resolution 61/225. In 2007, a blue logo was adopted as the global symbol for diabetes awareness.

World Diabetes Day Customs & Celebrations

Every year, the International Diabetes Federation releases a new theme for World Diabetes Day. In 2000, the theme was “Reducing the Burden: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease.” In 2010, the theme was “Let’s take control of diabetes. Now.” and in 2016, the theme was “Eyes on Diabetes.”

Each of these themes is used to shine a light on another aspect of this disease. On this day, the International Diabetes Federation and all its member associations support various events around the world.

These events include public health workshops and seminars, World Diabetes Day bike races, the distribution of diabetes-related materials, and media events, which may include television, radio, and Internet publications.

Individuals can celebrate the day by visiting their doctor to make sure they don’t have diabetes and, if they do, to get the proper treatment for it. Untreated diabetes can have a devastating effect on all the systems of the human body, particularly the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet. Therefore, proper treatment of this disease is a necessity.