World Diabetes Day — November 2025
- Signal Health Newton
- Nov 7
- 2 min read
Each year on 14 November, World Diabetes Day raises awareness about one of the fastest-growing health conditions worldwide. Throughout November, we’re focusing on increasing awareness and understanding of diabetes and its impact on health.
Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood because the body can’t make insulin, doesn’t make enough of it, or doesn’t use it effectively. Insulin is the hormone that helps glucose enter our cells to provide energy. When glucose stays in the blood, it can cause both short- and long-term complications, including damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
While there’s currently no cure, diabetes can be managed successfully through self-care, treatment, and healthy living. The main types of diabetes are Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes, with pre-diabetes being an early warning stage before Type 2 develops.
Glucose is our body’s main source of energy. When diabetes affects insulin production or use, glucose can’t enter the cells properly and remains in the bloodstream. This leads to high blood glucose levels, which can cause tiredness, thirst, and frequent urination in the short term and serious complications affecting the heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and feet in the long term.
In Type 1 diabetes, symptoms can appear suddenly and be life-threatening. In Type 2 diabetes, signs often develop gradually or go unnoticed. Common symptoms include tiredness, increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and slow-healing cuts. If you notice any of these, it’s important to speak with your GP.
Diabetes is serious, but early diagnosis and good management make a big difference. It’s a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attack, stroke, and limb amputation, and it can also impact mental health, with depression and anxiety common among people living with the condition.
The good news is that up to six in ten cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed through healthy lifestyle changes. Regular physical activity, eating well, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough rest, managing stress, and quitting smoking all play an important role in prevention and overall wellbeing.
How your GP can help you:
Check your blood glucose levels and assess your risk
Provide lifestyle and treatment advice
Refer you to a dietitian or diabetes educator
Monitor your progress and help prevent complications
