Noting Diabetes Afflicts over 420 Million People, Secretary-General Advocates Early Detection, Access to Health Services, in Message for International Observance

Following is UN Secretary‑General António Guterres’ message for World Diabetes Day, observed on 14 November:

More than 420 million people suffer from diabetes, a treatable and often preventable disease largely driven by unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and poor access to health services and medicines.  Most of those affected live in low- and middle-income countries.

Diabetes damages health and undermines educational and employment aspirations for many, affecting communities and forcing families into economic hardship through catastrophic medical expenses.

Countries are addressing diabetes as part of the Sustainable Development Goals, committing to cut premature death from this and other noncommunicable diseases by one third by 2030.

Early detection and access to health-care services are crucial to prevention and treatment, including through achieving universal health coverage by 2030.

On World Diabetes Day, I voice my support for all individuals around the world living with diabetes and reaffirm the commitment of the United Nations to fight for their needs and well-being on our path towards health for all.