World Diabetes Day is the largest diabetes awareness campaign in the world. This campaign is reaching a global audience of more than 1 billion people in around 160 countries.
This campaign draws attention to problems of paramount importance to people with diabetes, and it also keeps this condition firmly in the political and public spotlight.
The campaign was made in 1991 by the World Health Organization and IDF (International Diabetes Federation) in response to increasing concerns about the health threat which is posed by diabetes.
With the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225, this campaign became official UN Day in 2006.
The Aims of the World Diabetes Day Campaign
This campaign aims to be a global driver in order to promote the importance of taking concerted and coordinated actions in order to confront this condition as a critical global health problem.
Also, another aim of this campaign is to be the platform that will promote the advocacy efforts of IDF (International Diabetes Federation) throughout the entire year.
The logo of World Diabetes Day is a blue circle. This logo was adopted in 2007 after the passage of the United Nations Resolution.
The blue circle is actually a global symbol when it comes to diabetes awareness. This logo signifies the unity of the diabetes community on a global level. This day is celebrated on November 14th.
November 14th – World Diabetes Day?
This date is significant since it is the birthday of the person who actually co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. In case you didn’t know Frederick Banting together with Charles Best discovered insulin back in 1922.
The Theme for 2017
In 2017 the theme was “Women and diabetes – our right to a healthy future.” According to estimations 1 in 10 women have diabetes, but not all women have access to care, education, and treatment.
The aim of the campaign this year is to improve the accessibility and affordability of diabetes care around to world to help women who have diabetes improve their outcomes and better manage their condition.
The Theme for 2018/2019
The theme for diabetes awareness month and IDF is Family and Diabetes.
A two-year timeframe has been chosen to best facilitate planning, development, promotion, and participation. Materials and actions that IDF will develop over the two years of the campaign will aim to:
- Raise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected.
- Promote the role of the family in the management, care, prevention, and education of diabetes.
How People Celebrate World Diabetes Day
You should know that people around the world have different ways of celebrating World Diabetes Day.
That includes a range of events and activities such as conferences, exhibitions, lectures, and meetings to spread public information, poster and leaflet campaigning, sporting events for children and adults, radio and television programs, etc.
Blue Buildings at World Diabetes Day
Each November 14th monuments and buildings around the world lit up in blue color. This striking and powerful image helps in order to spread the message about this campaign.
The famous buildings which have been lit up on this day include Brisbane City Hall, Sears Tower, and London Eye.
The Blue Circle
The Blue Circle is the universal symbol for diabetes. It signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the rising number of people affected by diabetes. The symbol means nothing to some people. Help us change that!
The Blue Circle selfie app has been developed to promote the Blue Circle in a fun and engaging way. It is available for National Day and Diabetes phones and tablets.
Watch the video below to find out more about this year’s campaign.
