11/14/2025
Each year on November 14, the world observes World Diabetes Day, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes and promoting education, prevention, and care. Established in 1991, the campaign emphasizes the importance of understanding diabetes, supporting those affected, and advocating for equitable access to care and resources worldwide.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body is unable to properly produce or use insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. There are several types, including Type 1 diabetes, where the body does not produce insulin, Type 2 diabetes, which involves insulin resistance, and gestational diabetes, which develops during pregnancy. In Canada, over 11 million people live with diabetes or prediabetes, representing about one in three adults. Type 2 diabetes accounts for approximately 90% of cases. Diabetes increases the risk of serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and lower-limb amputations, contributing to significant healthcare costs nationwide.
This World Diabetes Day highlights the importance of physical, societal, and mental well-being for those living with diabetes. It encourages communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers to focus on education, support, and reducing stigma, particularly in workplaces and social settings. By raising awareness and providing tools for prevention and management, World Diabetes Day helps improve the quality of life and health outcomes for millions of Canadians living with diabetes.
To learn more about World Diabetes Day, please visit https://worlddiabetesday.org/.