Update on World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day is almost here.

This November 14, 2008 event, celebrated world wide to encourage awareness of diabetes, includes the 200 member organizations of the International Diabetes Federation and 160 countries, all members of the United Nations.

The date, November 14, was chosen to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, first conceived the idea which led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.

The closer we get to the November date the more exciting the domino of events across the globe.

First check out these ten landmark buildings are on board the challenge to light up the world in blue:

• Banting House National Historic Site, London, Ontario, Canada
• Round About, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• Swan Bell Tower, Perth, Australia
• Kings Park Gum Trees, Perth, Australia
• Jet d’eau, Geneva, Switzerland
• Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Cardiff, UK
• Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, Indianapolis, USA
• Indira Gandhi Statue, Gorakhpur, India
• City Hall, Nicosia, Cyprus
• City Hall, Brussels, Belgium

See the entire map of currently listed monuments, ready to be lit up in blue as the challenge moves towards its 500 building mark.

World Diabetes Day and YOU!

Register yourself and your diabetes event on the WDD site so that global activities can be counted.

The WWD site suggests these activities:

There are many ways to join in:

• Get a local monument to participate in the World Diabetes Day monument challenge.
• Organize an event with local politicians to mark World Diabetes Day and draw attention to the theme.
• Organize or participate in a community activity such as a walk, cycle ride, a human circle event, or a school-based activity.
• Participate as an individual and lend your support to the global campaign.
• Why not illuminate your home in blue or light a blue candle for World Diabetes Day?
• Fly a circle. Get a blue diabetes circle (which is like a frisbee) and fly it.

More on the Diabetes Flying Circle:

Flying circles are available in packs of two from the online store. Register it online!

More on Lighting a Candle or Lighting a Virtual Candle!

Give your visitors the opportunity to join the global diabetes awareness campaign and light a virtual candle.

If you own a website, you can place a virtual candle or a World Diabetes Day banner on your site.

Want to go one step further? Bring diabetes to light on 14 November by purchasing and lighting a World Diabetes Day candle in your home, workplace, or other setting of your choice.

Get your candle today and show your support for diabetes awareness!

You can check out the other World Diabetes Day merchandise, like posters, pins, flags, refrigerator magnets and more.