More than 250 million people worldwide are living with diabetes and another 7 million develop the condition every year.
World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign for diabetes, introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in response to the alarming rise in diabetes around the world. In 2007, the United Nations marked the Day for the first time with the passage of the United Nations World Diabetes Day Resolution in December 2006, which made the existing World Diabetes Day an official United Nations World Health Day.
This global event is celebrated on 14 November with a monument challenge, which involves monuments and buildings around the world being lit up in blue. The colour blue reflects the sky that unites all nations and is the colour of the United Nations flag. The blue circle logo signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic. In 2009, the aim is to exceed the success of the 2008 campaign, in which 1107 monuments lit up for diabetes.
At Diabetes WA, we are passionate about encouraging Western Australians to join this global awareness campaign. We are seeking interest from anyone who would like to get involved and light up their monument or building on the evening of 13 November or November 14 2009. World Diabetes Day supporters will be listed on our website and included in media materials. Tell us about your support by phoning Kate on (08) 9325 7699 or emailing kate.bourne@diabeteswa.com.au
If you would like to find out more about the monument challenge, previous participants and how to participate, please click here and be directed to the World Diabetes Day website.
You can also bring diabetes to light on your website. Click here to find out how!
