Celebrating World Diabetes Day 2021

ACCESS TO DIABETES CARE: IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

November 13, 2021 – The theme for World Diabetes Day 2021-23 is access to diabetes care.  100 years after the discovery of insulin, millions of people with diabetes around the world cannot access the care they need. People with diabetes require ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications.

The centenary of the discovery of insulin presents a unique opportunity to bring about meaningful change for the more than 460 million people living with diabetes and the millions more at risk. United, the global diabetes community has the numbers, the influence and the determination to bring about meaningful change. We need to take on the challenge.

Fundamental components of diabetes care include:

• Access to insulin: 100 years after its discovery, millions of people with diabetes cannot access the insulin they need.
• Access to oral medicines: Many people with diabetes need oral medicines to manage their condition. These remain unavailable or unaffordable in many low- and middle-income countries.
• Access to self-monitoring: Blood glucose monitoring is a fundamental component of diabetes care. Many people with diabetes do not have access to the equipment and supplies they need.
• Access to education and psychological support: People living with diabetes need ongoing education to manage their condition. Many do not have access to diabetes education.
• Access to healthy food and a safe place to exercise: People living with or at risk of diabetes need access to healthy food and a place to exercise. Both are fundamental components of diabetes care and prevention.