On November 14, we celebrate World Diabetes Day. This year, 2026, the theme is: Early action against diabetes. This message is clear: the earlier we detect diabetes or the risk of developing it, the more we can do to prevent complications and live healthfully.
Why act early?
Type 2 diabetes can develop for years without symptoms. Many people have prediabetes and don’t know it. The good news is that prediabetes can often be reversed with lifestyle changes.
Talk to your doctor if:
- You are 35 or older
- You are overweight
- You have close family members with diabetes
- You do not engage in regular physical activity or exercise
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol levels
- You had gestational diabetes (during pregnancy)
Recommendations:
- Ask your doctor for a blood sugar (glucose or A1C) test
- Fill half your plate with vegetables
- Change soft drinks and juices to water or sparkling water
- Choose whole grain products with fiber whenever you can
- Move at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Walking counts!
- Sleep well and find ways to manage stress
*If you are overweight or obese, reducing your weight by 5-7% in a healthy way can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
This month we invite you to take the first step: know your numbers and take care of your health!
Source: International Diabetes Federation & WHO
