This World Diabetes Day, 14 November, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is calling on individuals, healthcare professionals, communities and governments worldwide to take early action on diabetes. With millions of people living with undiagnosed diabetes or unaware of their risk, acting early can save lives, prevent complications and improve health for all.
Under the theme “Early action on diabetes”, World Diabetes Day 2026 highlights the urgent need to improve early detection, ensure timely access to quality diabetes care and support action to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing global health challenges. According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas, 589 million adults are living with diabetes worldwide, with more than four in ten unaware that they have the condition. A further 635 million adults are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Delayed diagnosis can have serious consequences. Up to half of people living with type 2 diabetes already have complications at the time of diagnosis, while missed or delayed diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can lead to life-threatening diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Early action can change this. Knowing the warning signs, understanding diabetes risk factors, accessing timely testing and ensuring ongoing treatment and support can help people live longer, healthier lives.
New IDF research highlights barriers to early action
Launched today, new global research from IDF shows that people at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes underestimate their risk and face barriers to getting checked. The cost of diagnosing people late is a key contributor to the $1 trillion spent by governments every year on diabetes, which represents 12% of all health costs.
The findings suggest that efforts to close the diabetes diagnosis gaps are failing. More than a quarter of a billion (252 million) adults worldwide are living with diabetes without knowing it. Most have type 2 diabetes. Yet a survey of adults at increased risk of the condition in six countries (Brazil, India, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Spain and the United States) shows that many underestimate their own risk of type 2 diabetes and are unsure how to access testing services.
Key findings include:
- 67% believe that people with prediabetes experience noticeable symptoms.
- 15% believe they are likely to develop type 2 diabetes, despite having at least two risk factors for diabetes.
- 43% reported they would not feel confident arranging a diabetes risk check.
- 84% say a check is worthwhile even when they feel healthy.
#ActEarlyOnDiabetes this World Diabetes Day
Everyone has a role to play in improving early detection and reducing the impact of diabetes. This World Diabetes Day, IDF is encouraging people around the world to take action.
Know the signs of type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age and is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, particularly in adults. Recognising symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and fatigue can lead to earlier diagnosis and life-saving treatment.
Learn the warning signs, share them with your family and community, and seek urgent medical advice if symptoms appear.
Know your risk of type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes often develops without noticeable symptoms and may remain undetected for years. The IDF online type 2 diabetes risk assessment is a simple tool to help understand individual risk and the actions that can reduce or delay the development of the condition. Share the tool in your community.
The IDF type 2 risk assessment is sponsored by Sunlife.
Share your diabetes story
If you are living with diabetes or care for someone who does, share your experience of diagnosis and the importance of early detection. Your story could help someone else recognise the signs, seek a diagnosis or take action to reduce their risk. Share your experience.
Share your World Diabetes Day activity
Organise an activity in your community, workplace, school or healthcare setting, and share it on the World Diabetes Day activity platform to inspire others and amplify the campaign’s global impact. Add your activity to our world map.
Download and share the campaign resources
Help spread the message of early action on diabetes using the official World Diabetes Day 2026 posters, infographics, social media visuals and campaign toolkit. Visit the WDD 2026 Resource Hub.
Enhance your diabetes knowledge
Healthcare professionals can strengthen their diabetes knowledge through the IDF School of Diabetes, while people living with diabetes and the general public can access free educational resources through Understanding Diabetes.
Join our #ActEarlyOnDiabetes campaign
Customise our campaign visual with your photo, name, and country and share on your social media channels to inspire others to take early action on diabetes this November.
