1991World Diabetes Day begins2The International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization created World Diabetes Day in response to diabetes epidemic

Every year on November 14, World Diabetes Day brings diabetes to the attention of the world.

November 14 is the birthday of Frederick Banting, one of the discoverers of insulin.(c) BantingHouse National Historic Site of Canada

The theme is set by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization.

In 2006, the United Nations passed resolution 61/225. It asks the World to observe November 14 as World Diabetes Day and to take action to address the diabetes threat.

The campaign evolved from one day in the year to a multi-year campaign1991: Diabetes Goes Public1992: Diabetes: A Problem of All Ages in All Countries1993: Growing Up with Diabetes1994: Diabetes and Growing Older1995: The Price of Ignorance1996: Insulin for Life!1997: Global Awareness: Our Key to a Better Life1998: Diabetes and Human Rights1999: The Costs of Diabetes2000: Diabetes and Lifestyle in the New Millennium2001: Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease2002: Your Eyes and Diabetes2003: Diabetes and Kidneys2004: Diabetes and Obesity2005: Diabetes and Foot Care2006: Diabetes and the Disadvantaged and Vulnerable2007-2008: Diabetes in Children2009-2013: Prevention and Education

The campaign has grown in strength from humble beginnings. . .

. . .to become a truly global event.

2009-2013Diabetes Education and PreventionThe campaign slogan is: Understand Diabetes and Take Control.

2009-2013Understand diabetes and take control

In 2007, the World Diabetes Day logo incorporated the diabetes circle.12

The global symbol for diabetes was developed during the Unite for Diabetes campaign.Why a circle?A positive symbol across cultures, the circle symbolizes life and health.Why blue?The colour blue reflects the sky that unites all nations. The blue border of the circle reflects the colour of the sky and the flag of the United Nations. The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic. http://www.diabetesbluecircle.org

Use the blue and the circle to show you careImage sources:http://spaaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/about/http://diabetestaskforce.orghttp://www.cbs.umn.edu/studentservices/involvement/bwb.shtmlhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mcbill/2081463065/

Follow World Diabetes DayEnglish, French and Spanish campaign websitehttp://www.worlddiabetesday.orgNews & Events RSS feeds“days to go” countdown newsletterFacebook Group (English, French, Spanish)http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/facebookhttp://www.worlddiabetesday.org/facebook-eshttp://www.worlddiabetesday.org/facebook-frBecome a fan of World Diabetes DayTwitterhttp://twitter.com/wddYouTubeWorld Diabetes Day ChannelInternational Diabetes Federation ChannelFlickrWorld Diabetes Day group - http://www.flickr.com/groups/wddMyspacehttp://www.myspace.com/officialworlddiabetesday

Join World Diabetes Day: Go blue! Go round!

Find official campaign material at http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/materialPosters, booklet, logos, web banners, presentations, etc.

Have funGrab the mediaContact governments

More ideas: http://www.flickr.com/groups/wdd

Spread the word: http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/activitieshttp://www.worlddiabetesday.org/events

Support World Diabetes DayCheck the events calendar on the World Diabetes Day site for events near you.Share your plans for World Diabetes Day with the International Diabetes Federation at wdd@idf.org.

On November 14, make a differenceEvery 10 seconds, one person dies of diabetes.Every 10 seconds, two people develop diabetes.