World Diabetes Day 2025: Partnering for Progress in Global Diabetes Care

The Global Diabetes Challenge

As we mark World Diabetes Day on November 14th, the scale of the global diabetes epidemic remains staggering. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)^*, 589 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. Perhaps more concerning is that three out of four people with diabetes reside in low- and middle-income countries, where access to quality care and resources may be limited.

Beyond the physical health implications, diabetes takes a significant toll on mental wellbeing. Recent findings from the IDF global World Diabetes Day survey (2024) reveal that 75% of people living with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition because of their condition. Additionally, four out of five people living with diabetes have experienced diabetes burnout, highlighting the often-overlooked psychological burden of managing this chronic condition.

These challenges are amplified by systemic barriers that create a perfect storm of unmet need. Healthcare providers face critical shortages of essential supplies, limited access to diagnostic tools, and insufficient training on modern diabetes management protocols. Meanwhile, patients navigate fragmented healthcare systems where insulin and monitoring supplies may be unavailable or unaffordable, where cultural stigma around chronic disease prevents early diagnosis, and where geographic distances make regular care challenging.

The gap between clinical guidelines developed in high-income settings and the reality of resource-constrained environments leaves both providers and patients struggling. This is where innovative partnerships become not just valuable, but essential to transforming diabetes care delivery.
 

Partnering with the International Diabetes Federation

We recognize that addressing the global diabetes crisis requires collaborative efforts.  The partnership between our Global Health Unit and the International Diabetes Federation exemplifies our commitment to improving diabetes care worldwide. This collaboration leverages IDF's global reach and expertise alongside GHU’s model to create meaningful impact in communities in countries with the highest unmet medical needs.
Together, we focus on enhancing diabetes education, improving access to care, and supporting healthcare systems in developing regions. This partnership aligns with our shared vision of reducing the burden of diabetes and improving quality of life for those affected by the condition in LMICs.  

Healthcare Professional Training: Progress and Impact

A cornerstone of our diabetes care initiative has been the comprehensive training of healthcare professionals (HCPs) in regions where specialized diabetes knowledge is most needed. Through targeted educational programs, we have equipped more than 3940 healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver quality diabetes care.

These training programs cover essential aspects of diabetes management, including the latest treatment protocols, patient education strategies, and approaches to addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of diabetes care. By empowering healthcare professionals, we create a multiplier effect that reaches countless patients in underserved communities. This accredited training provides European CME credit for the healthcare professionals enrolled in this program. 

Looking Forward: Expanding Our Reach

As we scale this initiative, we will soon be launching of our diabetes care courses in Portuguese, further extending our educational resources to healthcare professionals in Portuguese-speaking regions. This expansion represents our commitment to breaking down language barriers in diabetes education and ensuring that vital information is accessible to more healthcare providers globally.

Additionally, on November 18th and 19th, we will be conducting a specialized workshop in Vientiane (Lao People's Democratic Republic), focusing on building local capacity for diabetes care. This hands-on training will address region-specific challenges and equip local healthcare professionals with practical skills for diabetes management in their communities.

Our Ongoing Commitment

On this World Diabetes Day, we reaffirm Sanofi's unwavering commitment to improving diabetes care worldwide. We recognize that behind every statistic is a person facing daily challenges in managing their condition. Our missions go beyond delivering accessible and affordable medicines; it encompasses helping to build sustainable healthcare systems, empowering healthcare professionals, and supporting patients in their journey.

*Diabetes Atlas 11th edition