November 14 is World Diabetes Day (WDD), a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about diabetes, promoting prevention, and improving care for those living with the condition.
World Diabetes Day 
was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. It is marked every year on November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1922.
The number of people with diabetes is increasing. In 2011, 9.5% of adults in the US had diabetes; this rose to 10.9% in 2018. World Diabetes Day is a reminder to assess your risk for developing diabetes, which can be done using the IDF’s online risk assessment tool.
As we recognize World Diabetes Day, it’s important to acknowledge the progress made in the fight against diabetes and also the work that still needs to be done. The theme for World Diabetes Day is Access to Diabetes Care. The campaign focuses focuses on the importance of knowing your risk of type 2 diabetes to help delay or prevent the condition and highlighting the impact of diabetes-related complications and the importance of having access to the right information and care to ensure timely treatment and management.
Health care professionals can use the Access to Diabetes Care theme to consider whether or not their patients indeed have access to what they need to live successfully with diabetes. Access to diabetes care is not just a matter of convenience. Individuals with diabetes require regular medical attention, access to affordable medication, proper nutrition, and support to manage their condition effectively. However, this isn’t the reality for everyone and many face significant barriers.
Visit the World Diabetes Day Web site to learn more and access videos, educational posters and social media graphics (information is available in multiple languages).
“As a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, I can tell you that the better we understand the person with diabetes, the better care we can deliver, by working to provide access to resources he or she needs.” Lisa Thorp, BSN, CDCES; Quality Improvement Advisor with Great Plains Quality Innovation Network.
Access additional resources and tools on the Chronic Disease Page of our Web site.
Listen to our Podcast – Q-Tips For Your Ears
Diabetes – The Path to Understanding Starts Here: Although there is no cure, diabetes can be managed with changes in lifestyle (diet and exercise) and treatment. Self-management of diabetes is critical to overall health and longevity. Education and support is available. Take a few minutes to listen and learn more.