Early action on diabetes
Early action on diabetes is the theme for World Diabetes Day 2026-27. The campaign focus for 14 November is early diagnosis and risk reduction. Early action accelerates access to care, reduces the risk of diabetes and leads to better health for all.
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adults are currently living with diabetes worldwide.
adults are at high risk of type 2 diabetes.
of people with type 2 diabetes already have complications at the time of diagnosis.
Act early on diabetes
Diabetes is one of the world’s fastest-growing health challenges. By 2050 the number of people living with diabetes is projected to reach 853 million. Urgent action is needed to increase early detection, provide uninterrupted care and support diabetes risk reduction. Early action on diabetes will save lives, improve health and reduce long-term costs to health systems. This World Diabetes Day join our call to #ActEarlyOnDiabetes
“Since diabetes awareness and diagnostic resources were limited at the time, the possibility of type 1 diabetes was not considered early. As my condition worsened, I developed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of untreated type 1 diabetes.”
Nkiruka, living with T1D, Nigeria
“One of my colleagues was living with diabetes. Out of curiosity I asked about his symptoms. He described frequent hunger. This immediately resonated with me, as I had been experiencing similar symptoms for nearly a month but had not considered diabetes as a possibility. My diabetes diagnosis marked a turning point. Since then, I have committed myself to structured self-management, continuous research, and diabetes education.”
Prabhurajan, living with T2D, India
“My mother noticed something was wrong and asked me to do a blood test. That moment changed everything. The doctor confirmed it was type 1 diabetes. Looking back, the signs were clear, but without awareness, they’re easy to miss. Early action can make all the difference.”
Khalil, living with T1D, UAE
Test your type 2 diabetes risk
Type 2 diabetes typically develops without obvious symptoms. This means that for many people the first sign of diabetes is a complication. Take and share our risk test to learn your type 2 diabetes risk to help take early action to delay or prevent the condition.
Don’t delay, find out your diabetes risk today.
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Our partners
Partners of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) help to make World Diabetes Day a global success by providing valuable support for the development of campaign resources and activities. The Federation is pleased to have the support of the following partners for World Diabetes Day 2026.
