World Diabetes Day 2012

World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes - its escalating rates around the world and how to prevent the illness in most cases.

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.

19-20 September 2011 -- The decision by the United Nations General Assembly to convene a High-level Meeting on NCDs on 19-20 September 2011 presents a unique opportunity for the intenational community to take action against the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases (cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic lung diseases and diabetes), save millions of lives and enhance development initiatives.

WHO is interested in increasing access to HbA1c tests for diabetes treatment monitoring in developing countries. Through an expert consultation, WHO has facilitated the development of a Preferred Product Profile (PPP) for an HbA1c test suitable for low and middle income countries. This PPP is freely available on this site and will also be sent to relevant diagnostics associations and NGOs. In order to further facilitate access to such tests, WHO is particularly interested in tests that could be locally produced in developing countries.

• More Information on the call for interest
  pdf, 71kb
• Preferred Product Profile for HbA1c test
  pdf, 45kb

A new test for diagnosing diabetes mellitus has been accepted by a WHO-backed group of experts, offering a more practical approach to test for the disease that affects close to 350 million people worldwide.