Today is World Diabetes Day with people and monuments around the world wearing blue to enhance recognition of the Blue Circle – the global symbol of diabetes. Almost 500 buildings are already confirmed as being bathed in blue including Inverness Castle and Winchester Cathedral as well as the Empire State Building in New York. Other activities being carried out around the world are Flashmobs, awareness stalls and the formation of human blue circles.
Figures released today state that the number of people living with diabetes has risen to 366 million with as many as 183 million people unaware of their condition. The number of people with diabetes worldwide is expected to rise to 552 million by 2030. The International Diabetes Federation is calling for immediate action to prevent the rapid rise of diagnoses.
It is thought that at least 78% of people in Africa are currently living with diabetes unbeknownst to them and that 80% of those with diabetes are living in low and middle income countries. Jean Claude Mbanya, President of the International Diabetes Federation has said that “In every country and in every community worldwide, we are losing the battle against this cruel and deadly disease… We demand that public and world leaders act on diabetes now.”
