World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day History

World Diabetes Day is a global awareness campaign that aims to increase public understanding of diabetes, educate individuals about the warning signs, and encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles to prevent or manage the disease. This annual event promotes the importance of early diagnosis, proper treatment, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels to avoid complications. Sponsored by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), World Diabetes Day also supports those living with the condition and raises funds for research to improve care and ultimately find a cure for diabetes.

The initiative kicks off on November 14 each year to commemorate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the Canadian scientist who co-discovered insulin's potential in treating diabetes in 1921. In New Zealand, diabetes prevalence is rapidly growing and has become a significant health issue, with approximately 250,000 people estimated to have been diagnosed with the disease. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of cases in the country, with contributing factors including sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and an aging population. Moreover, diabetes has a disproportionate impact on Māori and Pasifika communities, where prevalence is three to four times higher compared to non-Māori and non-Pasifika New Zealanders.

To observe World Diabetes Day, New Zealand's health sector collaborates with Diabetes New Zealand, community leaders, and caregivers to organize activities and events such as public talks, educational seminars, and fundraising initiatives. These events aim to provide support, encouragement, and essential information on managing diabetes to those affected and their loved ones. The Blue Circle is the global symbol for diabetes awareness and is a focal point during these events. In honour of World Diabetes Day, landmarks across the globe, including Sky Tower in Auckland, are lit up in blue, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing this growing health challenge.

World Diabetes Day facts

• The theme for World Diabetes Day in 2025 was Diabetes and well-being. In 2024 the theme was Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps. In 2023 the theme was Access to diabetes care.
• According to HealthData.org, as of June 2023, more than half a billion people live with diabetes worldwide.
• More than 80% of deaths related to diabetes occur in low and middle income countries.
• New Zealand has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates among developed countries. According to Diabetes New Zealand, over 250,000 people are diagnosed with diabetes in the country, with the majority (90%) of cases being type 2 diabetes.
• Key lifestyle risk factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes in New Zealand include poor diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking. Certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, and a family history of diabetes, also increase the risk.

In the News and Trending in NZ for World Diabetes Day

Top things to do in NZ for World Diabetes Day

• Visit your doctor if you are overweight, obese, do not regularly exercise and do not eat a balanced diet. These are all factors that can cause diabetes.
• Learn about ways to control and lower the risk of developing diabetes. The American Diabetes Association provides some great ways to reduce your risk which include:
  1) Eat a healthy balanced diet
  2) Exercise regularly
  3) Ensure that you are not overweight or obese
  4) Remove unnecessary processed foods with high sugar content from your diet
  5) Get checked for high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels
• Write to your local government representatives and urge them to prioritize diabetes prevention, education, and support services. Share your own experience or stories of people living with diabetes to highlight the importance of the cause.
• Blue is the color associated with diabetes awareness. Show your support by wearing blue clothing or accessories on World Diabetes Day.