World Diabetes Day is being observed across the world today. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO, the Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.

World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes – its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases.
WHO estimates that more than 346 million people worldwide have diabetes.

This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention.

Almost 80 per cent of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

In India, diabetes affects one in five adults. Experts say that on an average people with type 2 diabetes die 5-10 years before people without diabetes.

If not well controlled, diabetes can lead to heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.