World Diabetes Day November 14
- Abilities Recovery Center
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
Every year on November 14, the world unites to recognize World Diabetes Day, a global effort to raise awareness about diabetes, its impact, and how we can work toward prevention and better care.
The date honors Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921, a discovery that has saved millions of lives. Created by the WHO and IDF in 1991, this day highlights one of the most common and fastest-growing chronic conditions worldwide.
As research continues to evolve, so does our understanding of diabetes, including lesser-known types such as Type 3c diabetes, which occurs when the pancreas is damaged or removed.
Why It Matters
Over 422 million people worldwide live with diabetes. In the U.S., more than 38 million Americans have diabetes, and about 1 in 5 don’t know it.
Diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, vision loss, amputations, and other serious complications. Awareness, screening, and early education save lives.
Understanding the Types of Diabetes
🔹 Type 1 Diabetes
An autoimmune disease where the body destroys insulin-producing cells.
Typically diagnosed in youth but can occur at any age.
Requires lifelong insulin therapy.
Not preventable.
🔹 Type 2 Diabetes
The most common form.
The body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough.
Strong lifestyle and genetic connection.
Often preventable with healthy habits.
🔹 Gestational Diabetes
Occurs during pregnancy.
Increases long-term risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Usually resolves after birth but requires monitoring.
🔹 Type 3c Diabetes (Pancreatogenic Diabetes)
This is a medically recognized form of diabetes caused by damage to the pancreas. It can occur when:
Part or all of the pancreas is removed
The pancreas is damaged by chronic pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer affects insulin production
Cystic fibrosis or trauma impairs pancreatic function
People with Type 3c diabetes often:
Have difficulty producing insulin
Have trouble digesting food due to low enzyme production
Need both insulin support and pancreatic enzyme replacement
Type 3c frequently gets mistaken for Type 2, so awareness is crucial for proper treatment.
2024–2026 Theme: “Diabetes and Well-Being”
This year’s theme highlights the importance of mental and emotional health alongside physical care.
The 2025 focus, Diabetes and the Workplace, emphasizes the need for supportive work environments, healthy food options, flexibility, and understanding from employers.
Prevention and Care
While Type 1 and Type 3c diabetes are not preventable, steps to reduce or delay Type 2 include:
Eating balanced, nutrient-rich meals
Staying active (150+ minutes per week)
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol
Prioritizing sleep and stress management
Getting regular screenings
These habits support long-term metabolic and overall health.
For those already living with diabetes, regular monitoring, medication adherence, education, and emotional support are key to a full, healthy life.
How You Can Help
Wear blue, the color of diabetes awareness
Share stories or info using #worlddiabetesday
Get screened or encourage loved ones to do so
Support diabetes research and local health initiatives
Every action, big or small, helps raise awareness and creates a healthier future for millions.
Sources
World Health Organization. Diabetes Fact Sheet. Updated 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
International Diabetes Federation. World Diabetes Day 2024–2026: Diabetes and Well-Being. https://worlddiabetesday.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/
American Diabetes Association. Standards of Care in Diabetes 2025. https://diabetesjournals.org/care Type 3c: Understanding pancreatogenic diabetes” — JAAPA, 2022. Indicates that Type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes occurs when primary pancreatic disorders damage islet cells, and that it’s often misdiagnosed as Type 2 diabetes.
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