World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign of the diabetes world.
It was set up by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in response to concern over the rise of diabetes around the world.
How is it celebrated?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated worldwide by the over 200 member associations of the IDF in more than 160 countries, as well as by other associations and organisations, healthcare professionals and individuals with an interest in diabetes.
Diabetes UK activities for World Diabetes Day
Diabetes UK is one of the member associations of the IDF. In this section you'll find details of our activities for World Diabetes Day, including campaigning, events and news.
2007 theme
Focus on children and young people
The themed campaign for 2007 focused on children and young people. While these themed campaigns last the whole year, the day itself is celebrated on 14 November, to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922. Keep checking this page for information on the theme for 2008.
UN recognition
World Diabetes Day, now a United Nations Day, aims to raise awareness of the seriousness of diabetes and the impact it has on approximately 246 million people worldwide.
Blue represents World Diabetes Day because it is the official colour of the 'UNite for Diabetes' campaign, which saw the United Nations (UN) pass a resolution recognising diabetes as a major threat to global health in 2006.