World Diabetes Day: Turning Awareness Into Action

Written by Brooke Laing

Each year on November 14th, the world observes World Diabetes Day, marking the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the Canadian physician who discovered insulin. Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), the day serves as a global reminder of the growing impact of diabetes – and the collective need for awareness, access, and advocacy.

This year’s campaign centers on access to care, education, and prevention, emphasizing that managing diabetes takes more than medicine, it takes understanding, support, and equal opportunity for all.

Understanding Diabetes: Type 1 vs. Type 2

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Over time, the pancreas stops producing insulin altogether. Once known as “juvenile diabetes,” Type 1 can now develop at any age, and its exact cause remains unknown. People with Type 1 rely on daily insulin injections or pump therapy - devices like the Omnipod or Tandem T-Slim to survive.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a metabolic condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough. The body makes insulin, but can’t use it effectively. It’s often linked to lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors. Treatment typically includes medication, injectable therapy, and lifestyle adjustments such as diet and exercise.

The Numbers Tell the Story

• Over 540 million adults worldwide live with diabetes (IDF, 2024).

• By 2045, that number is projected to reach 780 million.

• Roughly 1 in 2 people with Type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed.

• Diabetes accounts for more than 6 million deaths per year - yet most cases of Type 2 can be prevented or delayed

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Many people miss the early warning signs of diabetes until it becomes serious. Key symptoms include:

• Excessive thirst and frequent urination

• Unexplained weight changes (often weight loss in Type 1)

• Blurry vision caused by sugar buildup in the eyes

• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

• Fatigue, mood changes, or irritability

• A sweet or fruity smell on the breath

If you experience these, simple blood tests can provide answers - and early detection can change everything.

The Role of Insulin

Insulin isn’t a cure - it’s a lifesaving hormone. It allows the body to convert glucose (sugar) into energy. Before its discovery in 1921, diabetes was considered fatal. Banting’s discovery transformed it into a manageable chronic condition.

Yet more than a century later, millions of people around the world still lack access to insulin and essential supplies. World Diabetes Day reminds us that healthcare access is a human right, not a privilege.

Living With Diabetes: A Personal Perspective

Diabetes is a 24/7 job, there are no days off. As someone living with Type 1 diabetes, I can say firsthand: it’s relentless.

There are nights spent battling low blood sugars that refuse to rise, and days clouded by highs that make you feel sick and foggy. The fear of going too low and seizing in your sleep never fully goes away. It takes discipline, technology, and support just to find balance, and even then, it’s never perfect.

The mental load is heavy. Burnout, frustration, and anxiety are common. That’s why compassion matters so much. Before making assumptions like “they ate too much sugar” or “they can’t eat that,” remember: you can’t see the daily calculations, carb counts, or constant vigilance behind someone’s calm exterior.

Prevention and Education

While Type 1 diabetes isn’t preventable, Type 2 often can be prevented or delayed through healthy habits: balanced nutrition, regular activity, managing stress, and early screenings.

Getting checked is easy: routine bloodwork can detect risk early. Workplaces, schools, and communities should normalize conversations around diabetes, access to healthy food, and inclusive care.

Global Action and Advocacy

Millions worldwide still face barriers — the cost of insulin, lack of education, stigma, and misinformation. The #WorldDiabetesDay campaign urges governments and communities to close those gaps through policy change, affordable medication, and equitable healthcare.

You can help by:

• Wearing blue on November 14th

• Sharing verified information

• Donating to diabetes research or supply programs

• Starting conversations in your circles

A Call to Understanding

This World Diabetes Day, let’s move beyond awareness, and toward understanding, action, and compassion.

Diabetes affects millions, but with advocacy, education, and empathy, we can create a world where everyone - no matter where they live or how they were diagnosed - has access to the care they deserve.