World Diabetes Day 2025 highlights that diabetes affects people at every life stage-from childhood to old age – calling for lifelong awareness and care.
- WHO’s 2025 theme emphasises diabetes management at every life stage
- India ranks second globally with 89.8 million adults living with diabetes
- WHO aims for 80% of diabetes cases to be diagnosed and well-managed by 2030
Every year, November 14 is observed as “World Diabetes Day”, where everyone around the world gathers to celebrate and create awareness of this chronic condition. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), this year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages”, declares that diabetes is a disease that can affect people of any age. The theme stresses that more care, education, and attention are needed at every stage of life, from children who have just been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes to the elderly who must deal with problems (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
World Diabetes Day 2025 Diabetes across life stages
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).
Diabetes: A Growing Global Concern
The National Diabetes Statistics Report offered by the CDC (2021) estimates that 38.4 million individuals in the United States, and about 11.6% of the population, live with diabetes. Of these:
- 38.1 million adults are over the age of 18, accounting for 14.7% of the total adult population.
- Worryingly, 8.7 million adults (3.4% of the total adults) have diabetes, yet they do not know about it.
- The prevalence rises sharply with age, reaching 29.2% among adults aged 65 years and above.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that affects about 78,000 children globally and necessitates lifelong insulin use. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the highest rates are noted in Finland (more than 64.2 cases per 100,000/year), and the lowest ones in East Asian countries and American Indians (0.1-8 per 100,000/year) (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Type 1 Diabetes Through the Life Span: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association
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).
Childhood and Adolescence: Early-Onset Diabetes and Lifelong Lessons
Classically referred to as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes may take its onset early in childhood or adolescence.
Children need additional help from parents, schools, and medical professionals with insulin, diet, and routines. The American Diabetes Association states that early diagnosis of comorbid conditions like thyroid or coeliac disease, along with education and emotional support, are among the most important roles during this stage.
Diabetes During Reproductive and Working Years: Managing Life, Work, and Hormones
Managing diabetes becomes more difficult in adulthood due to stress, pregnancy, and work obligations. In women, hormonal changes resulting from pregnancy or menopause can significantly impact blood glucose control.
The American Diabetes Association advises people with diabetes between the ages of 20 and 50 to have quarterly screenings for cardiovascular and kidney problems, blood pressure, and blood sugar control (HbA1c tests).
One out of every five middle-aged adults between 45 and 64 years is affected, with 18.9% of the diabetics (14.5% diagnosed and 4.5% undiagnosed) in the U.S.
Diabetes in Older Adults: Living Longer, Managing Complications
Thanks to medical advances, more people with diabetes are living longer—but this also increases the burden of complications like kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Among adults aged 65 and older, 29.2% live with diabetes, and many require support with mobility, cognitive care, and medication management (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
Type 1 Diabetes Through the Life Span: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association
Go to source
).
The ADA recommends that treatment for seniors focus on maintaining quality of life—balancing blood sugar control with the risk of hypoglycaemia (dangerously low blood sugar). For older adults in “good health,” the goal is an HbA1c below 7.5%, while for those with multiple health issues, a more relaxed target of below 8–8.5% is considered appropriate.
Diabetes Statistics In India (20–79 years)
| YEAR | NUMBERS |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 32.7 million |
| 2011 | 61.3 million |
| 2024 | 89.8 million |
| 2050 | 156.7 million |
India is one of the seven countries and territories in the IDF South-East Asia Region. India has the second-highest number of adults (20-79 years) with diabetes in the world.
Empowering Diabetes Through Self-Management and Education
Across all life stages, diabetes management depends on education and empowerment:
- Children should learn through family and school support.
- Adults should balance insulin, meals, and work-life stress.
- Seniors require simplified care routines and community help.
The ADA emphasises continuous Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSME/S) to help individuals adapt their care plan throughout life—from learning insulin use in youth to dietary adjustments in older age.
Global Diabetes Coverage Targets (WHO, 2030)
To strengthen global diabetes care, WHO Member States have adopted five ambitious targets to be achieved by 2030:
- 80% of individuals with diabetes must be diagnosed.
- 80% of those with a diagnosis are able to effectively manage their blood sugar.
- 80% of those with a diagnosis maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- 60% of adults with diabetes over 40 receive statin therapy.
- Insulin and glucose monitoring are affordable for all people with type 1 diabetes.
These benchmarks underline the urgency for integrated, equitable, and lifelong care (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
IndiaDiabetes country report 2000 – 2050
Go to source
).
A Life-Course Approach to Diabetes Care
Diabetes does not go away with age; its challenges and lessons evolve. Support and awareness are crucial at every stage, whether it’s for a child who needs to learn how to check his blood sugar, a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes, or an elderly person who wants to prevent complications.
World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder that diabetes management encompasses more than just treatment; it also entails lifelong dignity, empowerment, and education. Combining prevention, self-management, and care access can lead to a healthier future for all people with diabetes.
References:
- World Diabetes Day 2025 Diabetes across life stages – (https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-diabetes-day/2025)
- Type 1 Diabetes Through the Life Span: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association – (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5865481/)
- IndiaDiabetes country report 2000 — 2050 – (https://diabetesatlas.org/data-by-location/country/india/)
Source-Medindia