Study OAS ·
World Diabetes Day Observed on November 14
What’s the News?
- World Diabetes Day was observed globally on November 14 to raise awareness about diabetes as a major global public health issue.
- The theme for 2025, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations (UN), is “Diabetes Across Life Stages”.
- The day serves as the primary global awareness campaign, led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the WHO.
Global & National Context
- 589 million people globally live with diabetes; nearly half remain undiagnosed, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- India’s burden: Estimated 101 million people with diabetes (ICMR–INDIAB 2023); another 136 million in prediabetes.
- Rising incidence in youth (Type 2) and gestational diabetes (GDM), posing intergenerational health risks.
WHO’s 2030 Global Diabetes Coverage Targets
| Target | Goal by 2030 |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | 80% of people with diabetes diagnosed |
| Glycaemic control | 80% of diagnosed individuals achieve HbA1c <7% |
| Blood pressure control | 80% of diagnosed individuals maintain BP <140/90 mmHg |
| Statin use | 60% of people ≥40 years receive statins |
| Type 1 diabetes support | 100% have access to affordable insulin & glucose monitoring |
Prevention & Early Action Priorities
- Prediabetes intervention: Lifestyle modification can reduce progression to diabetes by 58%.
- Weight loss of 5–7%, 150 min/week physical activity.
- Limit ultra-processed foods, sugary drinks; prioritise whole grains, fibre, legumes.
- Screening at key life stages:
- Children: BMI + family history.
- Women: Preconception & antenatal GDM screening.
- Adults ≥30 yrs: Annual fasting glucose/HbA1c if risk factors present.
Additional Info
- Constitutional & Policy Links:
- Falls under Article 21 (Right to Health) as interpreted in Bandhua Mukti Morcha, Paschim Banga Khet Mazdoor Samity.
- Aligns with National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVDs & Stroke (NPCDCS).
- Supported by Ayushman Bharat Health & Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) for early screening & follow-up.
- Static Facts:
- WDD launched in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO.
- Became a UN-recognised day in 2006 (Resolution 61/225).
- Date (Nov 14) honours Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin (1922).
- India’s Initiatives:
- mDiabetes (SMS-based awareness by MoHFW & WHO).
- National Guidelines for Management of Diabetes (2024).
- Integration of NCD screening in 1.5+ lakh AB-HWCs.