Countries around the world today marked World Diabetes Day, focusing attention on this year’s theme, “Diabetes across life stages.” The campaign emphasizes that diabetes is not limited to any age group and can affect people from childhood through older adulthood.
The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that millions of people globally are living with diabetes, many without a formal diagnosis. This year’s theme calls for stronger systems that provide continuous, integrated care and environments that support health and self-management at every stage of life.
According to WHO, diabetes prevention and care must be woven throughout life—from supporting healthy growth in children to ensuring reproductive health in younger adults, workplace wellness in midlife, and quality care for older adults.
“Everyone living with diabetes deserves access to safe, affordable care and the opportunity to live with dignity,” WHO officials emphasized in a statement marking the day.
A Life-Course Approach
The campaign’s key messages highlight the need for lifelong attention:
- Diabetes can affect individuals at any stage of life.
- Prevention, screening, and treatment must be integrated across life stages.
- Strong support for self-care and well-being empowers people with diabetes at all ages.
Global Targets for 2030
In 2022, WHO Member States adopted five global diabetes coverage targets to accelerate progress by 2030:
- 80% of people with diabetes diagnosed
- 80% of diagnosed individuals achieving good blood glucose control
- 80% of diagnosed individuals achieving good blood pressure control
- 60% of people with diabetes aged 40+ receiving statins
- 100% access to affordable insulin and self-monitoring tools for people with type 1 diabetes
Health experts say meeting these targets is essential to reducing deaths and complications, including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.
As global events and national campaigns unfold, World Diabetes Day 2025 serves as a reminder that sustained action, awareness, and investment are needed to support the millions of people affected by diabetes at every stage of life.
