About World Diabetes Day
In 1991, World Diabetes Day was established by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation in response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by diabetes. Today, 1 in 9 adults lives with diabetes, making it one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2026-2027, “Early action on diabetes”, highlights the importance of early diagnosis, risk reduction, and timely access to care. Taking action early can help reduce the risk of some forms of diabetes, prevent or delay complications, and improve health outcomes. Early action can make a meaningful difference. Increasing awareness of diabetes risk, recognising the signs and symptoms, and ensuring timely access to care are essential to improving health and reducing the long-term impact of diabetes.
To download World Diabetes Day resources, including social media toolkits, please visit: https://worlddiabetesday.org/resource-hub/
Pain and diabetes
Pain is a common concern for many people living with diabetes. Over time, chronic hyperglycaemia and associated metabolic factors can damage peripheral nerves, contributing to painful neuropathies. The most common form is distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSPN) which can affect up to 50% of people with diabetes. Symptoms often begin in the toes and progress through the feet and lower legs. Importantly, diabetic neuropathy is not always painful. Nerve damage can accumulate gradually over years without triggering any warning signs or painful sensations. Damage to the nerves controlling internal organs can also be silent, affecting functions such as digestion, blood pressure regulation, heart rate, and bladder control before symptoms are clearly recognised.
Diabetes is also associated with other nerve problems, such as cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy or atypical presentations like carpal tunnel syndrome. Beyond neuropathic pain, diabetes has also been linked with musculoskeletal pain conditions, increasing the risk of tendon pain, and frequently co-existing with spinal, hip, and knee pain.
Assessing and managing diabetic neuropathy
The EFIC Academy Education Platform offers comprehensive educational resources on the assessment and management of neuropathic pain, including diabetic neuropathies. Learners can explore self-directed modules or follow tailored learning tracks designed to meet individual needs. Access is available to EFIC Academy members.
Related initiative: EFIC On the Move
EFIC’s On the Move campaign promotes physical activity as a key factor in preventing both chronic pain and long-term conditions such as diabetes. By encouraging movement and supporting healthy lifestyles, EFIC continues to advocate for prevention, wellbeing, and better quality of life across Europe.