World Diabetes Day events & activities

How will you bring diabetes to light?

The monument challenge

In 2007, the global diabetes community rallied behind the call to light iconic landmarks and buildings in blue to mark World Diabetes Day. A total of 279 iconic monuments were lit as beacons of hope for the millions of people worldwide living with diabetes. In 2008, action to light up in blue continued, with more than 1000 landmark sites and buildings participating from a total of 99 countries. Read more about the challenge, and download support material to help you light a monument in your home town.

Engaging political support for World Diabetes Day

In recent years, many individuals and organizations have shown their support by seeking local, national and regional proclamations that encourage action to mark World Diabetes Day and promote key issues. Political representatives around the world responded by issuing official statements on World Diabetes Day. Why not approach your local governmental representative for an official message of support? An official signing provides an ideal opportunity to support the official lighting of a local monument and other awareness-raising activities in your area.

Community action

Each year, diabetes representative organizations, industry partners and committed individuals organize activities on or around World Diabetes Day. Typical activities include walks, cycle rides, educational rallies and exhibitions. These activities can be linked to an official lighting and/or the official signing of a proclamation. Recent years have seen a number of human blue circles organized. It is a simple idea that has great visual impact.

Individual action

Can’t find an event near you but want to join in? There are many ways that you can get involved. Why not illuminate your home in blue or light a blue candle for World Diabetes Day? Dress up in blue for the day and organize a dress-up-in-blue day for diabetes at your workplace. Whatever your idea, be sure to register your activity on the website so that we can share it with the world and add your event to the global total of people who take part.