World Diabetes Day takes place on 14 November, a date established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in memory of Frederick Banting, one of those responsible for the discovery of insulin. This day aims to raise awareness of the growing impact of diabetes, reinforce the importance of prevention and promote healthier living and working environments.
Under the slogan “Diabetes and well-being at work”, the 2025 campaign calls on employers and workers around the world to “know more and do more for diabetes at work”, promoting inclusive, informed and supportive workplaces. Millions of people face daily challenges in managing diabetes in the workplace, from stigma and discrimination to the difficulty of balancing healthcare with work demands, which has a direct impact on physical and psychological well-being.
According to the IDF, 7 out of 10 people with diabetes are of working age; 3 out of 4 live with anxiety, depression or another mental health disorder associated with the disease; 4 out of 5 report exhaustion or burnout related to the daily management of diabetes.
By 2025, it is estimated that 589 million people worldwide will be living with diabetes and this figure could reach 853 million by 2050. In Portugal, it affects around 1.4 million people, which represents 14.2% of the population between the ages of 20 and 79, according to the Annual Report of the National Diabetes Observatory.
The Order of Physiotherapists emphasises that the fight against diabetes must be based on a multidimensional approach that combines prevention, education, training and functional rehabilitation, guaranteeing an integrated and sustainable response.
Physiotherapy plays a decisive role in all stages of the disease:
- contributes to primary prevention by promoting physical activity, health education and reducing sedentary lifestyles;
- supports the empowerment of people at risk and those living with diabetes, reinforcing knowledge about the disease and strategies for its daily management;
- intervenes in a targeted way to prevent complications such as circulatory changes, foot ulcers, chronic kidney disease or musculoskeletal limitations;
- and works to promote mobility, functionality and autonomy, preventing more serious situations such as amputations.
For the general population and for people at risk of developing diabetes, the focus of physiotherapy intervention is awareness and education about risk factors and the essential tools for their prevention. For people with diagnosed diabetes, training and ongoing monitoring are essential to improve self-management of the condition and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Working in conjunction with other health professionals, physiotherapists make a decisive contribution to improving quality of life, preventing disability and supporting full integration into working life.
On this World Diabetes Day, The Order of Physiotherapists joins the global call to “know more and act more for diabetes at work”, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the health, well-being and inclusion of people with diabetes in all contexts of their personal and professional lives.