14th of November

Today people with diabetes celebrate World Diabetes Day. It is internationally recognized and is an official United Nations Day and it takes place on the 14th of November every year. It has become a globally-celebrated event that increases awareness about diabetes.

World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) introduced this day in 1991.

World Diabetes Theme

This year, the theme for World Diabetes Day 2019 is once again, The Family and Diabetes. The aim is to raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected. Also, the goal is to promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention and education of diabetes.

9th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas

Every year the International Diabetes Federation is releasing new figures that highlight the alarming growth in the prevalence of diabetes around the world. On this day, november 14th, they published the 9th Edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas. According to their data, there are now 463 million adults with diabetes worldwide. 

The global prevalence of diabetes has reached 9.3%, with more than half (50.1%) of adults undiagnosed. Type 2 diabetes accounts for around 90% of all people with diabetes.

In order to reduce the impact of diabetes, people can do a lots of things. Evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes can often be prevented, while early diagnosis and access to appropriate care for all types of diabetes can avoid or delay complications in people living with the condition. Check out the other key fundings at www.diabetesatlas.org. 

Why is November 14th World Diabetes Day?

November 14th is a significant date in the diabetes calendar because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best.

This is known as one of medicine’s most incredible moments. In 1922, at the University of Toronto, scientists went to a hospital ward with children who were comatose and dying from diabetic keto-acidosis. There was a room full of parents sitting at the bedside waiting for the inevitable death of their child. The scientists went from bed to bed and injected the children with the new purified extract – insulin. As they began to inject the last comatose child, the first child injected began to awaken. One by one, all of the children awoke from their diabetic comas. A room of death and gloom became a place of joy and hope. Thank You Dr. Banting and Dr. Best!