World Diabetes Day has been celebrated since 1991 and is promoted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), who launched this global campaign in response to the alarming increase in the incidence of diabetes around the world.

The date of November 14 was chosen because it coincides with the centenary of the birth of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, conceived the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in October 1921.

The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the causes, symptoms, treatment, and complications associated with the disease. World Diabetes Day reminds us that the incidence of this serious disease is increasing and will continue to do so unless we take action now to prevent this enormous growth. The number of people with diabetes has quadrupled over the past 40 years. It is the only non-communicable disease for which the risk of premature death is increasing rather than decreasing.

WHO facts and figures

• The number of people with diabetes increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. The prevalence of the disease has increased faster in low- and middle-income countries than in high-income countries.
• Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and lower limb amputation.
• Between 2000 and 2016, premature mortality from diabetes increased by 5%.
• In 2019, diabetes was the direct cause of an estimated 1.5 million deaths, and in 2012, 2.2 million people died as a result of hyperglycemia.

World Diabetes Day brings together millions of people in more than 160 countries to raise awareness about diabetes, including children and adults affected by diabetes, healthcare professionals, health policy makers and the media. Numerous local and national events are organized by Member Associations of the International Diabetes Federation and other diabetes-related organizations, healthcare professionals, health authorities and individuals committed to diabetes. World Diabetes Day unites the global diabetes community by creating a powerful voice for diabetes awareness. In Spain, the Spanish Diabetes Society and the Spanish Diabetes Federation are member associations of the International Diabetes Federation.

The World Diabetes Day logo is a blue circle – the global symbol of diabetes, created as part of the Unite for Diabetes awareness campaign. The logo was adopted in 2007 to commemorate the adoption of the United Nations Resolution on World Diabetes Day. The meaning of the blue circle symbol is incredibly positive. In many cultures, the circle symbolizes life and health. The color blue represents the sky that unites all nations and is the color of the United Nations flag. The blue circle symbolizes the unity of the international diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body does not use the insulin it does produce effectively. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the concentration of glucose in the blood, or blood sugar. The result of uncontrolled diabetes is hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), which over time can cause serious damage to many organs and systems, especially nerves and blood vessels.

• Type 1 diabetes (formerly known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes) is characterized by the absence of insulin synthesis.
• Type 2 diabetes (formerly called non-insulin-dependent or adult-onset diabetes) results from the body’s inability to use insulin effectively, often as a result of obesity or physical inactivity.
• Gestational diabetes is hyperglycemia first detected during pregnancy.

Types of Diabetes

A century after their discovery, insulin and other essential components of diabetes care remains out of reach for those who need them. This must change. Support our call to action to make sure it reaches the people who need to hear it. That’s why the central theme of World Diabetes Day 2021-23 is Access to Diabetes Care.

• Millions of people with diabetes around the world lack access to diabetes care.
• People with diabetes need ongoing care and support to manage their condition and prevent complications.

Simple lifestyle changes have been shown to effectively prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. To prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, these behaviors should be followed: eating a healthy diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a normal body weight, and avoiding tobacco use.