Every year on 14th November, the diabetes community around the world comes together to celebrate World Diabetes Day a day dedicated to raising awareness, educating others, and celebrating the strength of those living with diabetes every single day.
For me, as someone who lives with type one diabetes and runs a small business built around it, World Diabetes Day is more than just a date on the calendar… it’s personal. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, how far we’ve come as a community but how much awareness still matters.
💙 What Is World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day was created by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organisation in honour of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin back in 1921. And the 14th November was his Birthday. The symbol of the day is a blue circle, a global symbol of diabetes awareness, representing unity and the strength of our community.
It’s a day to wear blue, share stories and remind the world that diabetes isn’t one size fits all. From type one to type two, LADA, MODY, and beyond every person’s journey is unique, and awareness helps us move towards better understanding, support, and treatment.
💬 Why Raising Awareness Matters
Living with diabetes can sometimes feel invisible. You can’t always see the blood sugar checks, carb counting, or the mental load that comes with constant management. That’s why awareness is so important it turns personal experience into shared understanding.
When we talk about diabetes openly, whether it’s through social media posts, wearing our diabetes tech proudly or even decorating our kitbags, we show the world that diabetes doesn’t define us.
Awareness leads to:
💙 More education about symptoms and early diagnosis
💬 More empathy for the daily realities diabetics face
⚡ More support for advancements in research, technology and funding
✨ How Organising Chaos Is Celebrating World Diabetes Day
This year, I wanted to celebrate in true OC style with a little bit of chaos, a lot of blue and a whole lot of love for this community.
To mark the occasion, I’m launching Blue Friday our biggest sale of the year, packed with mega discounts on diabetes accessories that make living with diabetes a little more stylish (and a lot more fun).
You’ll find offers on pieces from our Diabetes Awareness Collection, alongside some of this year’s cutest favourites from medical alert charms to medical alert cards that proudly show off your diabetic identity.
💙 OC Club members get early access from 10am on Friday, before the sale officially goes live for everyone at 7pm on 14th November.
If you’re not already part of the OC Club, now’s the perfect time to join. You’ll get exclusive early access, secret discounts and be the first to shop before items sell out.
🌍 Ways You Can Raise Awareness This World Diabetes Day
Even small actions can make a big impact. Here are a few simple ways to raise awareness this week:
- Wear blue: from clothing to diabetes accessories, show your support proudly.
- Share your story: whether on Instagram, TikTok or a quiet chat with a friend, your experience matters.
- Educate others: share posts about the symptoms of diabetes and bust common myths (like “diabetics can’t eat sugar”).
- Support diabetic creators and small businesses: every purchase helps spread awareness and keeps this community growing.
- Check in with your Diabuddies: sometimes, awareness starts with kindness and connection.
World Diabetes Day and Diabetes Awareness Month is a chance to stop and reflect not just on the challenges, but on the resilience, creativity and strength of our community.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your journey, whether you’re diabetic or a supporter, you’re part of something powerful. And this year, I hope you’ll celebrate with me by turning awareness into action.
Because raising awareness doesn’t have to be loud sometimes, it’s simply choosing to live your diabetes life boldly, stylishly and proudly.
