World Diabetes Day (WDD) has been running annually on November 14 since 1991. It began in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by the illness.
In 2006 WWD became an official United Nations Day, and the campaign reaches a global audience of over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries. WWD aims to draw attention to the issues caused by diabetes around the world and keeping the disease in the public and political spotlight.
WWD is a good time for elected representatives to raise the importance of prevention, early diagnosis and best treatment regimes for all types of diabetes. PDGN can assist, just get in touch.
The global theme last year was women and diabetes. This led Diabetes Australia to focus on women with gestational diabetes for WDD and working with parliamentarians encouraged their Government to make access to subsidised CGM’s available to pregnant women with diabetes.
In several countries outdoor events were held to publicise diabetes. Some led by diabetes groups that invited politicians to attend, others involving decision makers from the start.
In Portugal a night time walk was organised ending in the formation of blue circle of people outside Lisbon’s city hall. In Serbia people were encouraged to take part in a Marathon around Ada Lake called the Blue Circle around Ada Lake.
There is time to plan for this year’s WDD with your national association or through your own efforts at publicising and advocating for people with diabetes where you are.