World Diabetes Day (WDD) was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. The United Nations passed Resolution 61/225 in 2006 recognizing World Diabetes Day as an official UN day. Each year, it is celebrated on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered insulin in 1922 with Charles Best.
The World Diabetes Day campaign reaches over 1 billion people in 160 countries, making it the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign. This campaign brings diabetes to the public and government’s attention, drawing attention to critical issues.
As part of World Diabetes Day (WDD), the campaign aims to:
- An annual platform to promote IDF advocacy efforts.
- Diabetes is a critical global health issue that requires coordinated and concerted action globally.
In 2007, the UN Resolution on diabetes adopted the blue circle logo. The blue circle symbolizes diabetes awareness around the world. As a result, it symbolizes the unity of the global diabetes community.
There is usually a dedicated theme for World Diabetes Day every year, which can last one to several years. The theme this year is access to diabetes care. 100 years after the discovery of insulin, millions of people with diabetes around the world can’t access the care they need. People with diabetes require support to manage their condition and avoid complications.
In honor of World Diabetes Day, I had an interview for the magazine “Sloboden Pechat”, in which I talked about my experience with type 1 diabetes. You can read my interview at the following link.
