Calls to Action

This World Diabetes Day, join the fun and help raise global awareness of diabetes.

There are many ways to join in:

Get a local monument to participate in the World Diabetes Day monument challenge.
Organize an event with local politicians to mark World Diabetes Day and draw attention to the theme.
Organize or participate in a community activity such as a walk, cycle ride, a human circle event, or a school-based activity.
Participate as an individual and lend your support to the global campaign.

However you decide to participate, we have the tools and information to help you.

Bring Diabetes to light?

The monument challenge

Last year, the global diabetes community rallied behind the call to light iconic landmarks and buildings in blue to mark World Diabetes Day. A total of 279 iconic monuments were lit in 2007 as beacons of hope for the millions of people worldwide living with diabetes. This year, with your help, we aim to illuminate more than 500 monuments.

Engaging local politicians

Last year many individuals and organizations showed their support by seeking local, national and regional proclamations in support of World Diabetes Day. Political representatives around the world responded by issuing official statements in support of World Diabetes Day. Why not approach your local governmental representative for an official message of support? An official signing provides an ideal opportunity to support the official lighting of a local monument and other awareness-raising activities in your area.

Community action

Each year, diabetes representative organizations, industry partners and committed individuals organize activities on or around World Diabetes Day. Typical activities include walks, cycle rides, educational rallies and exhibitions. These activities can be linked to an official lighting and/or an official signing. Last year saw a number of human blue circles organized. It was a simple idea that had great visual impact. Share ideas and register your event.

Individual action

Can’t find an event near you but want to join in? Why not illuminate your home in blue or light a blue candle for World Diabetes Day?

Are you involved in an activity or project that you would like to receive an official World Diabetes Day seal of approval? You could become one of the official Friends of World Diabetes Day.

Individuals have shown their support by aligning their interests and activities to support the campaign. For example, there is a World Diabetes Day VW Beetle that races to raise awareness of diabetes and there is a motorcycle enthusiast who crosses the desert on the World Diabetes Day bike. Why not suggest an activity for official World Diabetes Day endorsement?

However you choose to join the campaign, register your activity on the World Diabetes Day website so that we can count the global total of people who take part.

Help us bring diabetes to light!