World Diabetes Day was created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991, in response to concern over the escalating incidence of diabetes around the world.

Through its Unite for Diabetes campaign, IDF led the push for a UN Resolution on diabetes. On December 20, 2006, that goal was realized when the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed Resolution 61/225, which designates the existing World Diabetes Day as a United Nations World Health Day, to be observed every year, on November 14, beginning in 2007.

World Diabetes Day is a global event. It brings together millions of people in 160 countries to raise awareness of diabetes, including children and adults affected by diabetes, healthcare professionals, healthcare decision-makers and the media. World Diabetes Day unites the global diabetes community to produce a powerful voice for diabetes awareness.

November 14:
World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14. The date was chosen because it marks the birthday of Canadian Sir Frederick G. Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is credited with the discovery of insulin in 1921.

The blue circle:
World Diabetes Day is represented by a blue circle logo. The blue circle, noted for its symbolism of positivity, life and health, is the global symbol of diabetes and signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes pandemic.

The blue border of the circle reflects the colour of the sky and the flag of the United Nations. The United Nations is in itself a symbol of unity amongst nations and is the only organization that can signal to governments everywhere that it is time to fight diabetes and reverse the global trends that will impede economic development and cause so much suffering and premature death.