World Diabetes Day: Raising Awareness and Bridging Gaps in Diabetes Care
— November 13, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) World Diabetes Day (WDD) will be observed globally on Thursday, focusing on raising awareness of diabetes—a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide—and advocating for equitable access to affordable, high-quality care for all people with diabetes.
Observed annually on November 14, this year’s theme, “Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps,” emphasises the need for equal access to care, improved diabetes risk reduction, and comprehensive, affordable treatment for those affected by diabetes. WDD, the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign, reaches over 1 billion people in more than 160 countries.
Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in response to rising global diabetes rates, WDD was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2006 as a global health threat. The date honours Sir Frederick Banting, whose discovery of insulin alongside Charles Best in 1921 transformed diabetes from a fatal disease into a manageable condition.
Each year, WDD’s theme highlights essential aspects of diabetes management, such as diet, exercise, mental health, and healthcare accessibility. This year, it underscores the importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and healthy lifestyle choices in managing diabetes. WDD also calls on health organisations and advocates to push for policy changes ensuring affordable, accessible diabetes care for vulnerable communities worldwide.
As diabetes cases surge globally, WDD’s role in educating the public on prevention and promoting healthier lifestyles is increasingly essential. In Pakistan alone, over 33 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, while an additional 11 million have impaired glucose tolerance and 8.9 million remain undiagnosed.