Overview

World Diabetes Day is a global health initiative held every year on November 14. It was launched by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals and communities. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention, early detection, and improving the quality of care for patients.

World Diabetes Day Logo

The day is represented by the blue circle, the global symbol for diabetes awareness, which reflects the unity of the international community in confronting the disease.

The Importance of World Diabetes Day

• Highlighting the rising global rates of diabetes.

• Improving understanding of risk factors and prevention.

• Encouraging early screening to detect prediabetes and diabetes.

• Supporting patients by promoting healthy lifestyles and adherence to treatment.

• Motivating health authorities to develop national programs focused on prevention and integrated care.

Global Facts About Diabetes

• More than 589 million adults worldwide live with diabetes, a number projected to reach 853 million by 2050.

• About 50% of people with diabetes are unaware of their condition.

• Type 2 diabetes accounts for roughly 90% of all cases, and a large portion is preventable through healthy lifestyle habits.

Key National Statistics

• According to the 2018 National Health Survey, diabetes prevalence among adults in the UAE reached 11.8%, while prediabetes prevalence was 11.7%.

The UAE’s Efforts in Combating Diabetes

In line with global initiatives, the UAE has developed a national plan to combat diabetes and its associated risk factors. This plan shifts the focus from treatment alone to building a comprehensive system that includes prevention, early detection, integrated care, technology adoption, patient support, and improved quality of life. Key actions include:

• Transitioning towards prevention and early detection by launching the world’s first nationwide campaign targeting diabetes and prediabetes. The campaign promotes early-risk assessment tools, digital applications, medical advice for healthy lifestyle changes, and continuous patient follow-up.

• Focusing on preventing Type 2 diabetes by addressing major risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition.

• Expanding digital health services and enhancing the use of telemedicine for patient monitoring.

• Providing access to advanced, effective, and safer medications based on patient characteristics and cardiovascular and kidney risks.

• Empowering patients with self-management tools, including wearable devices that track physical activity and glucose levels and automatically transmit data to healthcare providers.

• Updating clinical guidelines for diabetes care and launching the National Clinical Guideline for Weight Management and Prevention of Adulthood Obesity based on the latest global practices.

• Developing artificial intelligence technologies to identify individuals at highest risk of diabetes and its complications.

World Diabetes Day is a call for all of us to unite, get screened early, adopt healthier lifestyles, and work towards healthier communities.