World Diabetes Day

Many of you already know that today, November 14th, is World Diabetes Day. 

But aside from wearing your blue and seeing an extra news piece about diabetes, what do you know about this occasion?

Why November 14th? 
It's Frederick Banting's birthday!  Mr. Banting, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin.  We're honoring his work.

Where is it commemorated? 
When we participate in World Diabetes day, we join with over 160 nations and territories.

Who sponsors it? 
The International Diabetes Foundation coordinates worldwide efforts for awareness.

Why the blue circle? 
It was adopted as the day's symbol in 2007 when the United Nations passed its World Diabetes Day Resolution.  The circle represents worldwide unity in the fight against diabetes.  The blue is both the color of the United Nations flag, and also represents the blue sky under which the worldwide diabetes community stands together.

How do people commemorate World Diabetes Day? 
Health fairs are held in places around the world, from Chicago to Ghana; Jordan to Peru. Schools and businesses hold poster contests, walks, and healthy living presentations.  Famous places previously lit in blue include portions of the Great Wall of China, the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, the CN tower in Toronto, and the statue of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. Human blue circles are formed. 

Perhaps most uniquely, there will be a horse jumping competition near Warsaw, Poland called 'together we overcome obstacles.'  Horses dressed in blue and white saddle pads with blue ribboned riders will compete while spectators are offered a wealth of diabetes information as well as free pony rides.  For so many reasons, I wish I could be there.

So What?
For those of us who live with diabetes in our homes, every day is diabetes day, and every day is a good opportunity to raise awareness.  Yet for me, it's encouraging to know that on this day there are people gathered across the globe raising awareness about diabetes.  The diabetes community goes beyond my personal relationships, beyond people I follow online, beyond those I encounter at the doctor's office.  The diabetes community is an enormous worldwide group of people.  We're all in this together.

All of the above information about World Diabetes Day and much more can be found on the International Diabetes Foundation website, including some really great photos blue monuments.