World Diabetes Day
World ObservancesWhat Is "World Diabetes Day" on November 14?
November 14 is "World Diabetes Day." Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the WHO, and officially recognized by the UN General Assembly in 2006, this international day takes its date from the birthday of Canadian physiologist Frederick Banting (born November 14, 1891), who discovered insulin. Around the world, awareness campaigns use the blue circle as a symbol to highlight the importance of diabetes prevention, treatment, and care, with landmark light-ups and events held globally. More than 500 million people worldwide live with diabetes, and the number continues to rise each year.
The Basics of Diabetes
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which blood sugar levels remain chronically high due to insufficient insulin secretion or reduced insulin effectiveness. In Japan, type 2 diabetes (the lifestyle-related form) accounts for about 90% of cases, with type 1 (autoimmune) and gestational diabetes making up the rest. Early symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue, but the condition often progresses without symptoms. It's diagnosed based on a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, or an HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher. About 10 million people aged 40 and over in Japan (a prevalence of 21%) fall into this category.
Risk of Complications
Sustained high blood sugar leads to microvascular damage (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) as well as macrovascular damage (heart attack, stroke). Retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness related to diabetes, and nephropathy is the number one cause of patients starting dialysis. Because the risk of severe complications rises sharply after 20 or more years with the disease, careful management within the first five years of diagnosis is especially important.
Prevention and Treatment Options
Lifestyle Improvements
| Area | Recommended approach | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Moderate carbohydrates and fat, more dietary fiber, one main dish per meal | HbA1c reduction of 0.5-1.0% |
| Exercise | 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week plus strength training twice a week | Improved insulin sensitivity |
| Weight | Target BMI of 22-25, aim for a 5% weight reduction | 60% reduction in onset risk |
Medication and Medical Management
Medications such as metformin (the first-line treatment), SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 receptor agonists are effective at lowering blood sugar. Insulin therapy becomes essential in advanced cases. Treatment is individually optimized according to the Japan Diabetes Society's guidelines, with self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) used to strengthen management.
What You Can Do on World Diabetes Day
Check your blood glucose and HbA1c levels from your health checkup. If your fasting glucose is 100-125 mg/dL or your HbA1c is 5.6-6.4%, you may be in the prediabetes range and could benefit from lifestyle guidance. If you have a family history of diabetes or are overweight, consider a thorough checkup once a year. Visit a diabetes specialist certified by the Japan Diabetes Society and get guidance from a registered dietitian. Sharing #WorldDiabetesDay on social media is also a simple way to support awareness efforts.
Summary
World Diabetes Day on November 14 commemorates Dr. Banting's discovery of insulin and is a UN-recognized international awareness day. About 90% of type 2 diabetes cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, and early management can prevent complications. Protect your health by relying on solid scientific evidence for diagnosis and treatment.