June 15-21

Diabetes Week

Join us for Diabetes Week and move towards a diabetes-free world. Learn more, spread the word, help a friend - because every step counts.

Yearly Date

Third Week in June (Monday to Sunday)

Observed in

United Kingdom

Introduction

Mark your calendars! Beginning June 10, engage in an inspiring, week-long movement known as Diabetes Week. This event was officially launched in the UK in 1996 by Diabetes UK, with the purpose of raising awareness about this widespread health challenge. What started primarily as a national effort has now expanded across borders and is internationally recognized, where individuals, groups, and communities come together to share resources, strategies, and hopes for a healthier future. Join us for Diabetes Week as we step together towards a diabetes-free world. Let's learn about diabetes, spread the word, support our friends and loved ones, because every step definitely counts!

Diabetes Week Timeline

1996

Inception of Diabetes Week

Diabetes Week was launched by Diabetes UK to raise awareness about this health challenge primarily in the UK.

2000s

Global Expansion

What started as a national UK effort expanded internationally to share resources, strategies and hopes for a healthier future.

2015

Diabetes Education Focus

The week focused on the importance of diabetes education and prevention for healthcare professionals and individuals.

2018

Diabetes and Mental Health

This year's theme was the mental and emotional difficulties of dealing with diabetes, emphasizing psychological support.

2020

Vital Support Online

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diabetes Week campaign moved online, offering much needed support and resources digitally.

How to Celebrate Diabetes Week

1 Participate in a charity run or walk

Sign up for a local charity run or walk that supports diabetes research. Not only it is a healthy activity, it's also a way to show your support for this cause and raise funds for research.

2 Host a healthy foods potluck

Invite friends and family to bring a dish that is healthy and diabetic-friendly. It's a great way to explore different food options that are both delicious and good for you.

3 Spread awareness through social media

Share posts, articles, and stories about diabetes on your social media platforms. By using popular hashtags like #DiabetesWeek, you can help increase awareness and understanding about this condition.

4 Become a fundraiser

Setup an online fundraising campaign and ask friends and family to contribute towards diabetes research. Every penny can help make a difference in fighting this disease.

5 Learn and share a fact a day

Each day of Diabetes Week, learn a new fact about diabetes and share it with your friends, colleagues, or family. It's an easy and effective way to spread knowledge and dispel myths about the condition.

Why Diabetes Week is Important

It raises awareness about diabetes

Throughout Diabetes Week, you have the opportunity to learn and educate others about this increasingly common disease. The more we understand it, the more effectively we can help those who live with it and ultimately work to prevent it.

It encourages healthy living

Diabetes Week promotes the importance of good health to help prevent the onset of diabetes. By participating in events such as a charity run or hosting a healthy potluck, you're not just raising awareness but also fostering a healthy lifestyle.

It promotes unity and support

Diabetes Week brings people together in solidarity to support those who live with the disease. Whether it's by participating in organized events, spreading awareness on social media, or fundraising for research, every effort counts in emphasizing that no one has to fight this battle alone.