14 November 2024 – World Diabetes Day (WDD), celebrated every year on November 14th, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about diabetes and advocate for improved health outcomes for those living with the condition. From 2024 to 2026, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has designated Diabetes and Well-being as the theme, reflecting the importance of supporting not just the physical but also the mental well-being of individuals managing diabetes.
This three-year campaign will focus on key areas that are crucial to managing diabetes effectively:
- Mental Health and Diabetes: Living with diabetes can take an emotional toll, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. The campaign aims to raise awareness of these mental health challenges and emphasize the need to incorporate mental health support into diabetes management and treatment plans. As the IDF highlights, addressing both physical and emotional well-being is essential for effective diabetes care.
- Physical Activity and Diet: Promoting a healthy lifestyle is vital to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and managing all types of diabetes and their complications. This campaign will spotlight the importance of physical activity and a balanced diet, which are foundational elements in preventing and managing diabetes.
- Breaking Barriers: People living with diabetes often face numerous barriers—financial, social, or medical—that prevent them from living fulfilling, healthy lives. The IDF campaign will shine a light on these obstacles and advocate for improved access to resources, better education, and supportive environments that enable people with diabetes to thrive.
World Diabetes Day, launched by the IDF and the World Health Organization (WHO), is the largest diabetes awareness campaign globally, reaching over 1 billion people each year. It provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together, raise awareness, and push for better care and policies.
For more details on this year’s campaign and how you can get involved, visit www.worlddiabetesday.org.
Advocacy Action: The time to start planning for World Diabetes Day 2024 is now. Talk to your national diabetes association about what they are planning and whether you can help in your local area.