World Diabetes Day being observed today

World Diabetes Day is being observed on Monday to raise awareness and educate people about the disease.

According to International Diabetes Federation, 416 million people have diabetes worldwide, while the number is predicted to rise to 552 million by the year 2030.

This year's theme is, "access to diabetes education".

Every year, the day is celebrated on November 14 to mark the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered the insulin hormone along with Charles Herbert Best in 1922. 

As per International Diabetes Federation, 366 million people have diabetes worldwide, while the number is predicted to rise to 552 million by the year 2030.

According to experts, an estimated 463 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, with Type-2 diabetes that needs to be treated with insulin sensitisers making up about 90% of the cases.

The day was established by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1991, as a response to growing concerns about the escalating health threat posed by the ailment. 

Health professionals estimate that the figures will continue to rise, and considering the fact that diabetes at least doubles a person's risk of early death, the need to raise awareness about the metabolic disorder and tips on maintaining blood sugar levels are at an all-time high.

World Diabetes Day was officially recognised by the United Nations (UN) in 2006 with the passage of a resolution to this effect.