World Diabetes Day, the largest global campaign for diabetes awareness, is celebrated annually on November 14, marking the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, alongside Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1922. Established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization, World Diabetes Day became an official United Nations Day in 2006 following the adoption of a United Nations resolution.
This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” aims to highlight the daily challenges faced by millions of people living with diabetes at home, work, and school. Diabetes management often focuses primarily on blood glucose levels, overlooking the ongoing need for individuals to remain organized, vigilant, and responsible in every aspect of their lives.
In recognition of World Diabetes Day, the Endocrinology Department of the Clinic for Internal Medicine at University Clinical Center Tuzla organized a series of activities to mark the occasion. These included blood sugar and blood pressure screenings, along with a promotion of healthy eating habits.
Diabetes is a growing global epidemic, with cases rising daily, largely due to lifestyle factors such as increased consumption of high-calorie foods and reduced physical activity. Currently, an estimated 537 million people worldwide, aged 20 to 79, live with diabetes, and half remain undiagnosed and untreated.
According to Dr. Mirnesa Muminović Umihanić, an endocrinologist at the Department of Endocrinology, the goal is for citizens to receive practical advice and guidance on managing diabetes, as this condition requires daily treatment, regular monitoring, a healthy lifestyle, and ongoing education.
