World Diabetes Day 2009

World Diabetes Day, on the 14th November every year, has grown from humble beginnings to become a globally-celebrated event to increase awareness about diabetes. Comprising hundreds of campaigns, activities, screenings, lecture, meetings and more, World Diabetes Day is proving internationally effective in spreading the message about diabetes.

Who introduced World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day was jointly introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The global diabetes awareness campaign was introduced amidst concern over an escalating diabetes epidemic.

Why is November 14th World Diabetes Day?
November 14 th is a significant date in the diabetes calendar because it marks the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting. Banting discovered insulin in 1922, alongside Charles Best. Read more in the Diabetes.co.uk history of diabetes. World Diabetes Day is internationally recognised and is now an official United Nations Day.

Where is World Diabetes Day celebrated?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated throughout the world. A truly global event, World Diabetes Day occurs in over 200 diabetic member associations, in over 160 different countries. Further associations, medical professionals, and individuals all over the world join together to celebrate World Diabetes Day.

How do people celebrate World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is celebrated in a vast number of ways around the globe. These include a range of activities and events, including meetings and lectures to spread public information, sporting events for adults and children, television and radio programmes, leaflet and poster campaigning, exhibitions and conferences and much, much more.

Is World Diabetes Day the same every year?
World Diabetes Day is different every year, because each year a theme is decided upon to help those most in need. For instances, 2004 saw World Diabetes Day themed Diabetes and Obesity.

This year, World Diabetes Day is concerned with diabetes in children and adolescents.