The World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14 in honor of Frederick Banting, who helped in the discovery of insulin in 1922 along with Charles Best. November 14 is Banting's birthday. This day was marked as Diabetes Day by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO.

The World Health Organization estimates that 220 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 with middle and low-income countries being the worst affected.

Diabetes mellitus is linked to obesity and is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or when the cells are unable to utilize it. The disease is characterized by failure of the pancreatic beta cells to adequately respond to the increased demands for insulin that occur as a result of obesity-related insulin resistance. This raises the blood sugar levels beyond control. Failure to control blood sugar levels leads to many complications including heart disease, blindness, nerve damage and kidney damage.

It is important to know the warning signs of diabetes. These include
* Frequent urination
* Excessive thirst
* Increased hunger
* Weight loss
* Tingling and numbness in hands and feet
* Frequently falling sick

The WHO also says that diabetes can be prevented or delayed by following
* Healthy diet
* Regular physical activity
* Maintaining a normal body weight
* Avoiding tobacco use