Every year on 14th November, people around the world come together to mark World Diabetes Day. You may have seen news reports or photos of buildings lit up in blue, people wearing blue circle badges or diabetes stories appearing across social media. But what's behind it all, why was 14th November chosen and what can you do to get involved?

For PWD, their families and carers, it's a chance to raise awareness of a condition that's part of everyday life. It's also an opportunity to help others understand what managing diabetes involves, share experiences and speak up about the things that could improve diabetes care. Some PWD use the occasion to inform and educate work colleagues, while children with diabetes sometimes choose to give an informative presentation during class or a school assembly about the condition.

This year's international campaign is focused on recognising diabetes early, something that can make an enormous difference, particularly for those in the early stages of type 1 diabetes.

Why is World Diabetes Day on 14th November?

The date was chosen to celebrate the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the Canadian scientist who, together with Charles Best and other researchers, helped discover and develop insulin in 1921.

Before insulin became available, a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes was almost always fatal. The discovery changed everything, allowing people with the condition to survive and go on to live longer lives. More than 100 years later, insulin remains essential to millions of PWD around the world.

World Diabetes Day was first introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO, at a time when the growing number of people developing diabetes was becoming a major international concern.

In 2006, the United Nations formally recognised World Diabetes Day, helping turn it into the global awareness campaign we know today. It is now marked in more than 160 countries, with activities involving diabetes charities, healthcare professionals, community groups and PWD themselves.

What's the connection with the blue circle?

You really can't miss the colour blue around World Diabetes Day! Famous buildings and monuments are illuminated in blue, people wear blue clothing and you'll see plenty of blue circles appearing on social media.

The blue circle is the international symbol of diabetes awareness. It was introduced in 2006 as part of the campaign to secure United Nations recognition for World Diabetes Day.

It's not just any blue either! The blue circle was originally associated with Pantone 279, a shade of blue historically used by the United Nations, and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has specific colour guidelines for its use. The blue circle is also a registered trademark of the IDF, although it can be used to support diabetes awareness activities in accordance with the organisation's guidelines.

The circle represents life, health and unity, while the colour blue reflects the sky that connects us all and the colour of the United Nations flag. It's intended to bring together everyone affected by diabetes, regardless of where they live or what type of diabetes they have.

During November, you may see local landmarks illuminated in blue or community groups organising blue-themed activities. It's a simple, recognisable way of showing support and encouraging conversations about diabetes.

What's the theme for World Diabetes Day 2026?

This year, the international theme chosen is Early Action on Diabetes and the IDF have launched this as a two-year campaign that will continue into 2027. The focus is on recognising the signs of diabetes sooner, improving access to diagnosis and treatment, and helping people reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

According to the IDF, around 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, approximately one in nine adults. Many people with type 2 diabetes are only diagnosed after complications have already developed, having lived with raised glucose levels for years without realising it.

For type 1 diabetes, the situation can be much more urgent. Symptoms can appear over a relatively short period, and without prompt diagnosis and insulin treatment, someone can develop DKA, a potentially life-threatening emergency.

What's happening in the UK for World Diabetes Day?

In the UK, Diabetes UK is focusing its World Diabetes Day campaign on recognising the warning signs of type 1 diabetes, particularly in children and young people.

You may already be familiar with the charity's 4Ts campaign, which highlights four common symptoms: Toilet; Thirsty; Tired; and Thinner.

Diabetes UK has produced posters and other campaign materials that can be shared with schools, GP surgeries, workplaces and community groups. You can find these on the Diabetes UK World Diabetes Day website.

What are the diabetes technology companies doing?

It's not only diabetes charities and community groups getting involved in World Diabetes Day. Several medtech companies are also organising awareness campaigns, competitions and activities, some of which offer opportunities for PWD, their families and carers to take part.

MiniMed's Blue Balloon Challenge

MiniMed (formerly part of Medtronic) is bringing back its Blue Balloon Challenge, encouraging people to demonstrate what managing diabetes can feel like by trying to keep a blue balloon in the air while going about an everyday activity.

Participants are invited to take a photo or video of themselves completing the challenge and share it on social media.

This year's campaign places particular emphasis on parents and carers, recognising the responsibilities and support involved in caring for someone with diabetes. MiniMed is also supporting the diabetes charity Beyond Type 1 through the campaign.

To take part, photograph or film yourself keeping a blue balloon in the air during an everyday activity, then share it on social media, tagging @medtronicdiabetes and using the campaign's Blue Balloon Challenge tag.

Ascensia's This Is Diabetes art competition

Ascensia Diabetes Care is marking World Diabetes Day with its international This Is Diabetes competition, encouraging PWD to express their experiences through art and photography. Unfortunately, this year's competition is now closed, but once the finalists are announced, there's the opportunity to vote for the artwork or photograph that resonates with you the most. Prizes are substantial, with donations awarded to the winners’ nominated charities.

Where can you find World Diabetes Day events?

There are events taking place around the world, from major campaigns organised by national diabetes associations to smaller activities arranged by local support groups and individuals.

The official World Diabetes Day website has an activities directory where you can look for events taking place in your country or register an event of your own. Activities include community walks, educational sessions, health screenings and opportunities to meet others with diabetes.

For UK readers, Diabetes UK also provides information about its awareness campaigns and ways to participate. Local hospital diabetes teams and community support groups may also be organising activities that aren't listed in the international directory.

How can you get involved this year?

You don't have to organise a fundraising event, take part in a sponsored challenge or make a donation to get involved in World Diabetes Day. There are plenty of simpler ways to participate, and even a conversation with someone who knows very little about diabetes can help improve understanding.

Share your diabetes story

One of the most useful things PWD can do is talk about their own experiences. You might want to share what diagnosis was like, something you've learnt over the years or an aspect of daily life with diabetes that other people rarely see.

Social media provides an easy way to reach people beyond the diabetes community, but a conversation with friends, colleagues or family members can be just as valuable.

Help someone recognise the symptoms

This year's focus on early diagnosis is an opportunity to share information about the 4Ts, particularly with parents, schools and anyone who works with children.

You don't need medical knowledge to help spread the message. Simply knowing the symptoms and encouraging someone to get checked could make an important difference.

Wear blue or display the blue circle

If you're looking for a simple way to show support, why not wear something blue on 14th November? You could also share the blue circle on social media or encourage colleagues and friends to join in.

Schools, workplaces and community groups can organise blue-themed activities, with the opportunity to talk about diabetes and answer questions.

Find an event near you

Throughout November, diabetes charities, local support groups, healthcare teams and community organisations hold events to raise awareness and bring people together.

These can include educational talks, community walks, information sessions and opportunities to meet others with diabetes. Some events are held online, making them accessible wherever you live.

Support someone with diabetes

If you have a family member or friend with diabetes, World Diabetes Day can be an opportunity to find out more about their experiences and the challenges they face.

Rather than assuming what help might be needed, ask. For some, practical support is useful, while others simply appreciate having someone who understands that managing diabetes can occasionally be frustrating, exhausting or unpredictable.

Make your voice heard

World Diabetes Day is also an opportunity to speak up about the things that could make life with diabetes better, from access to CGMs and insulin pumps to more reliable technology, better education and improved healthcare services.

PWD have years of lived-experience of managing the condition, and those experiences should be heard when decisions about diabetes care and treatment are being made.

World Diabetes Day belongs to the diabetes community

Although World Diabetes Day is supported by international organisations, charities, healthcare professionals and medtech companies, it's PWD, together with their families and carers, who understand the everyday reality of the condition.

For some, 14th November will mean joining an event, sharing a story or helping raise awareness. For others, it will be another ordinary Saturday, with glucose readings to check, insulin to manage and all the usual demands of diabetes.

However you choose to mark the day, it's an opportunity to help others understand diabetes a little better and to make sure the experiences and needs of the diabetes community continue to be heard.

Note: MiniMed Balloon Challenge image courtesy of MiniMed.