November 14, 2025 – World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day is a global awareness day for diabetes, designed to draw attention to the growing epidemic of diabetes and its serious health consequences. This day helps the global community unite under a common slogan to combat diabetes and support those affected by the disease.

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF, 2025) data, 589 million adults (aged 20-79) worldwide live with diabetes – approximately every ninth adult. By 2050, the number of adults with diabetes is projected to increase to 853 million people. In the Republic of Belarus, as of the beginning of the current year, 407,687 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) were under medical supervision, including 19,691 with type 1 DM and 383,558 with type 2 DM. The annual increase in the number of DM patients in our country is 5-8%.

In the Vitebsk region, as of January 1, 2025, 53,564 people were under medical supervision (53,196 adults, 368 children), including 2,082 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 50,839 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (of whom 6,602 are on insulin therapy), and 643 with other types of diabetes.

The theme for World Diabetes Day for 2024-2026 is "Diabetes and Wellbeing." This theme emphasizes that with proper access to treatment and support, people with diabetes can live full and healthy lives.

The official theme for World Diabetes Day 2025, "Diabetes and Wellbeing," focuses on the importance of physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing for people with diabetes, promoting a comprehensive approach to care and support to help them live healthy and balanced lives. Within the campaign, special attention is given to the theme "Diabetes and the Workplace," urging employers and employees to improve working conditions and foster inclusivity for people with this condition.

3 out of 4 people living with diabetes experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders due to diabetes.

The psychological profile of a person with diabetes mellitus includes traits such as unstable self-esteem, anxiety, a sense of insecurity, as well as irritability or even hostility. Patients with diabetes mellitus often experience emotional overload associated with fear of the disease and its complications, which can lead to chronic stress or so-called "diabetic distress." Constant dietary and lifestyle restrictions can also lead to a feeling of hopelessness and reduced motivation for treatment.

Causes of mental changes:

Stress and emotional overload: chronic stress causes the production of cortisol, which increases blood glucose levels and enhances cravings for sweets, negatively affecting diabetes control.

Biological factors: oxygen starvation in the brain, changes in brain tissue, intoxication due to kidney and liver damage.

Physical limitations: constant demands on diet, physical activity, and medication intake, which is a heavy emotional burden.

Impact on treatment:

Reduced motivation: depression and stress reduce motivation for consistent treatment, which worsens metabolic control.

Risk of complications: ignoring the disease due to psychological difficulties increases the risk of developing serious diabetes complications.

Importance of support:

Coping strategies: it is important to learn stress management strategies ("coping strategies") to improve well-being and diabetes control.

Professional help: seeking help from psychologists or psychotherapists helps to cope with emotional difficulties associated with the disease.

Diabetes treatment is not just about taking medication and following a diet; it also includes supporting mental health, managing stress, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and social interaction. The goal is to empower the patient to lead a healthy, balanced life, overcoming the challenges associated with diabetes. World Diabetes Day 2025, by promoting a comprehensive approach to treatment, early intervention, and creating a supportive environment, emphasizes the importance of treating the person, not just the disease.

By observing World Diabetes Day 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to improving not only treatment outcomes but also the daily lives of people living with diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. The patient's blood glucose level becomes too high. Over time, hyperglycemia damages organs, nerves, and blood vessels. World Diabetes Day aims to raise public awareness about this disease, its mechanisms, and its impact on health.

Type 1 diabetes: The patient's immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. The body stops producing insulin. Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.

Type 2 diabetes: The patient either produces insufficient insulin or develops insulin resistance. It is more common in adults but is increasingly seen in younger people due to lifestyle changes.

Gestational diabetes: The patient develops high blood glucose levels during pregnancy. This increases risks for both mother and child. If left untreated, it can lead to complications during childbirth or in the future.

Key risk factors include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and age.

Before diabetes becomes a fully diagnosed condition, the body often sends subtle signals that something is amiss. These changes may initially seem minor or unrelated to the disease, but they can indicate underlying disruptions in the body's glucose and energy regulation. Recognizing these early patterns is crucial, as they offer an opportunity for the patient to seek medical attention before complications arise.

Early detection of diabetes is often possible by paying attention to a number of common symptoms. These signs may develop gradually. However, when they appear simultaneously or over an extended period, they indicate that the body is struggling to regulate blood glucose levels.

Frequent urination (polyuria), excessive thirst (polydipsia), unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores – if any of these symptoms appear, the patient should consult a doctor.

If diabetes is left undiagnosed and untreated, patients may experience serious health consequences. High blood glucose levels over time can lead to damage to vital organs and body systems.

Possible complications:

Cardiovascular disease: increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and hypertension.

Kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy): can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.

Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy): can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy): can cause pain, numbness, and even limb amputation.

Foot problems: poor circulation and nerve damage can lead to ulcers, infections, or amputation.

Skin conditions: increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.

Prevention and management require ongoing effort:

Healthy eating: prioritize whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins; limit processed foods and sugar.

Regular physical activity: at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Weight management: maintain a healthy body weight; achieve modest weight loss if overweight.

Blood glucose monitoring: use home glucose meters and have regular lab tests.

Medication Adherence: If insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents are prescribed, the patient must adhere to the dosage and schedule.

Regular Check-ups: Include eye examinations, kidney function tests, and cardiovascular system assessments.

These prevention and treatment strategies align with the goals of World Diabetes Day, aimed at reducing morbidity and improving outcomes.

The workplace plays a key role in diabetes prevention and management: adults spend a significant portion of their lives at work. Access to screenings, educational programs, healthy eating options, and opportunities for physical activity can reduce the risks of developing type 2 diabetes and improve the quality of life for individuals already living with this diagnosis.

This is why a large-scale republican campaign to inform the public about the problem of diabetes, and to screen for diabetes among employees in the workplace, titled "Health at Work – Let's Beat Diabetes Together," is being held in our country from November 3 to 21, 2025. Medical professionals will organize the identification of risk factors and the determination of glycemia levels for the early detection of diabetes.

Chief Physician of the Healthcare Institution "Vitebsk Regional Endocrinology Dispensary"
Chief Freelance Specialist
in Endocrinology of the Main Healthcare Department

L.M. Pedchenets