World Diabetes Day is an annual event that raises awareness of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes worldwide.
Organised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and held on November 14 each year, the campaign aims to get people talking and thinking about the impact diabetes has on global populations.
This year, more than 613 activities in 113 countries and territories are being held to mark the annual event, including a number of screenings, stalls and exhibitions around the UK.
On World Diabetes Day, healthcare professionals, people with diabetes, advocates and policymakers come together to take action.
People are also encouraged to use the hashtag #DiabetesLife and share their experiences on social media.
More than 75 per cent of people who live with diabetes told the IDF they wanted more support from their healthcare providers, so it’s an important day to talk about how we can improve and support those affected.
Here’s some more information about the annual awareness event.
When is World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the people who discovered insulin.
While the timings of most events will vary, it’s observed throughout the day.
What is the World Diabetes Day 2024 theme?
This year’s theme is “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps: uniting to strengthen diabetes well-being”.
The goal of this year’s event is to highlight the challenges that millions of people face around the world when it comes to their diabetes diagnosis.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO): “Managing the condition requires resilience, organisation, and responsibility, affecting both physical and mental wellbeing.”
How to recognise diabetes
Diabetes can affect anyone of any age, but symptoms may vary depending on the person.
According to Diabetes UK, there are a number of symptoms that may suggest you have diabetes. Although, it’s always best to consult a GP if you think you may have it.
Most symptoms occur because glucose in the body isn’t being used as fuel but, in some cases, people may not have any symptoms at all.
Symptoms include:
Where to get tested for diabetes
People with undiagnosed diabetes may struggle with various symptoms which may impact their daily life and work.
Diabetes UK suggests consulting your GP or dialling NHS on 111 to get recommendations about what to do.
Testing for diabetes will require a blood test, that will measure the amount of glucose in your blood.
What is Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Diabetes is often divided into two categories: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is a condition in which the human body cannot control the amount of glucose in the blood. It can develop quite suddenly and may be caused by genetics or, sometimes, unknown factors.
As a result, the body’s immune system attacks your pancreas, stopping it from producing insulin and leading to high blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is often associated with having a lot of body fat and isn’t an autoimmune illness like Type 1 diabetes; however it’s also tied to your body’s insulin resistance.
