World Diabetes Day 2021; November 14th.

Forum: "Access to Diabetes Care." World Diabetes Day 2021.

World Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of diabetes as a global public health issue and what needs to be done, collectively and individually, for better prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.


This year’s World Diabetes Day is taking place at the end of a year which has been intensive in terms of global advocacy for diabetes. WHO and partners have used the opportunity of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin to highlight the huge gap between the people who need access to insulin to control their diabetes, as well as essential technologies such as blood glucose meters and test strips, and those who actually have access.


The Day also comes at a time when the world continues to live through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not only resulted in a high proportion of people with diabetes among hospitalized patients with severe manifestations of COVID-19 and among those who have succumbed to the virus, but has also led to severe disruption of diabetes services.


In the lead-up to and on 14 November, WHO will highlight not only the challenges, but more importantly the solutions, to scaling-up access to diabetes medicines and care.



How you can get involved
- Pledge your support for greater access to diabetes care by supporting our online petition. Link available soon.
- Engage a local or national policy-maker to ensure that all people with diabetes have access to the care they need.
- Organise a ‘Learn about diabetes’ event in schools.
- Organise or participate in a local diabetes awareness walk.
- Light up a local landmark, your home or workplace in blue.
- Arrange an activity with your work colleagues.
Help people learn their potential risk of type 2 diabetes with our online test.

If your region or community is observing physical distancing guidelines due to COVID-19, you can set up online activities.

  

Exercise in blue

Regular physical activity is an important part of diabetes management and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Whether indoors or outdoors, every step counts to help stay healthy!

Join the Global Diabetes Walk, an initiative created by the World Diabetes Foundation in support of World Diabetes Day. Take to the streets – if circumstances allow – to raise awareness of the impact of diabetes and the importance of physical activity. If outdoor activities in your community are restricted, walk or exercise in your home or workplace and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to join in.Whichever way you exercise make sure to wear blue and show your support for #WorldDiabetesDay and the #IfNotNowWhen campaign.