Bringing Diabetes to Light

Today marks the 19th annual World Diabetes Day global awareness campaign. Founded in 1991 by The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO), the WDD movement came in response to the worldwide pandemic of diabetes. Celebrated on November 14, WDD marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, whose work assisted in the discovery of insulin.


Across the nations, people come together on November 14 to raise awareness and to place diabetes in the limelight. Worldwide, major monuments will be lit in blue. People will be forming human blue circles that depict the WDD logo-- the circle represents life and health, while the color blue symbolizes the sky that unites us all. 


This year's theme continues the five year topic on Diabetes Education and Prevention, with the slogan, "Let's take control of diabetes. Now." Online forums will be held, while various groups will be gathering to discuss the illness in depth.


My father and I will be celebrating World Diabetes Day on the steps of California's State Capitol to watch as it's bathed in blue. There will be a mini health fair, music, dancing, and speakers Ben Vereen and Jake of Body by Jake. I look forward to participating in this movement as a group that is raising awareness worldwide.


In honor of the 300 million people living with this disease and all the people that love them...


Happy World Diabetes Day!