In 1991, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) designated November 14 as World Diabetes Day, since, it is the birthday of Dr. Frederick Bunting who discovered insulin.
This day has been named with the aim of increasing public awareness about the causes, complications, prevention and treatment of this growing phenomenon. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious complications such as sudden blindness, kidney failure, stroke and amputation; therefore, it can create long-term medical and non-medical costs for patients, their families, caregivers and the health system.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021 is “Access to Diabetes Care”.
Millions of people suffering from diabetes around the world do not have access to its care. Moreover, people with diabetes require ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications.
The centenary of the discovery of insulin presents a unique opportunity to bring about meaningful change for the more than 460 million people living with diabetes and the millions more at risk.
According to the WHO new release, World Diabetes Day also comes at a time when the world continues to live through the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not only resulted in a high proportion of people with diabetes among hospitalized patients with severe manifestations of COVID-19 and among those who have succumbed to the virus, but has also led to severe disruption of diabetes services. In the lead-up to and on 14 November, WHO will highlight not only the challenges, but more importantly the solutions, to scaling-up access to diabetes medicines and care.
