GLOBAL DIABETES WALK
First Walk campaign:
2004
Most countries:
89, 2021
First Walk livestreamed on Instagram:
2021
Most Walkers
1.1 million, 2017
Largest single campaign
Jain Hospitals, Uttar Pradesh, 2019
Lives touched by Walk messages:
countless
The Walk in Numbers
About
Today, more than 463 million people have diabetes. By 2030, that could rise to 578 million. Most live with type 2 diabetes, which is preventable in many cases. Four out of five people with diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries.
Since 2004, more than 5 million people have joined the Global Diabetes Walk, which is WDF's contribution to the International Diabetes Federation’s annual campaign marking World Diabetes Day on November 14.
Walk News
2021
Global Diabetes Walk 2021 unites individuals in taking steps. Diabetes awareness took the streets of the world one by one in November...
2020
Global Diabetes Walk 2020 marched on despite the pandemic. Safety first and quality over quantity...
2018
2018 Walk mobilises 1 million. A record number of people and groups organised Walks this year, mobilising more than 1,000,000 people...
2016
2016 Walk sets new records. The 2016 Global Diabetes Walk was the biggest in the event’s history, with almost 430,000 participants in 78 countries across the globe.
2015
2015 Walk is biggest ever. The 2015 Global Diabetes Walk was the biggest in the event’s history, with almost 380.000 participants in 65 countries across the globe.
2014
2014 Walk breaks records and sends a message. The 2014 Global Diabetes Walk was the biggest in the event’s 10-year history, with 56 countries represented and more than 300,000 people participating.
2013
Walking for global awareness. This year’s slogan for the Global Diabetes Walk campaign is Together for Diabetes.
2013
Diabetes campaign gives hope to inmates in the Philippines. Winning the 2012 Global Diabetes Walk award became the symbol of a Walk to freedom for inmates in a Philippine prison. From feeling neglected and isolated from society the campaign made them feel empowered and united.
2013
Seven cities in Kosovo celebrate World Diabetes Day. During the planned Diabetes Week and Walks throughout Kosovo leading up to 14 November, the inhabitants can expect diabetes education, awareness and screening camps.
2012
Walking Diabetes Out of Nigeria. The organisation SIDCAIN runs two WDF-supported projects in Nigeria. They both aim at improving diabetes care and prevention through education in Ogun and Oyo states.
2021
Walking in Memory of a Lost Loved One. After her daughter died, Anthea Usher resolved to raise diabetes awareness ...
2019
‘Healthy Family, Fit India’ campaign reaches millions. Jain Hospitals went big again in 2019, organising Global Diabetes Walks...
2017
Walk2017: Jain Hospital takes the lead. A WDF partner shares how a simple district level Walk campaign became a state level activity...
2015
Zimbabwean Walk exceeds all expectations. David Leboho gathered thousands at his first Walk in 2015 – and offers insights into how others can do the same.
2015
Five steps to a successful Walk. Richard Erick Caballero offers new Walk organisers and old-timers alike his tips for Global Diabetes Walk success.
2014
Global Diabetes Walk infographic. The Global Diabetes Walk campaign is celebrating 10 years.
2013
Walk for Cure with Columbia Asia Hospitals. On 17 November, the Columbia Asia Hospital in Kuala Lumpur plans a “Walk for Cure” to celebrate the World Diabetes Day.
2012
14 Days, 14 Walks, 196 Kilometers, 16000 People, 1 Cause. Walk organisers in India planned an inspirational walk for World Diabetes Day 2011. Over 16000 people walked on 1st November for 14 days, from Pathanamthitta to Alappuzha, until World Diabetes Day on 14th November.
2020
Global Diabetes Walk 2020 - new ideas for a challenging year. Smaller Walks, creative competitions, flexible events...
2019
Global Diabetes Walk campaign turns 15. At 15, the Global Diabetes Walk campaign has become a powerful force for change.
2017
2017 Walk reaches 1 million. The 2017 Global Diabetes Walk reaches a new milestone, with more than 1,090,000 participants...
2015
For WDF staff, World Diabetes Day is a global affair. WDF employees spread around the world on World Diabetes Day 2015, raising awareness about the global diabetes epidemic – and working towards solutions.
2014
Malaysian Walk organiser explains how to succeed in 2014. How do you attract VIPs, media, and thousands of participants to your Walk? Nathalie Seroux offers her tips for Global Diabetes Walk success.
2013
Global Diabetes Walk in Qingdao. On 26 October the Qingdao Diabetes Prevention in China’s Shandong province will be organising a Walk in the city of Qingdao for an expected 10,000 participants.
2013
314,000 joined the Global Diabetes Walk. The 2013 Global Diabetes Walk marked the World Diabetes Day with Walks, drums and banners worldwide. Under the slogan “Together for Diabetes” more than 300,000 people took to the streets to create awareness about the rising burden of diabetes.
2013
Diabetes care needs more focus in Georgia. On 14 November the Welfare Foundation, a Georgian NGO, which works to improve the quality life of the poor through research and advocacy in health care will organise a Walk in the capital Tbilisi for 30 participants.
2012
From strategy to Walk. The winner of the 2011 GDW social media award from Kerala, India, recounts the route from the first World Diabetes Day celebration in 2005 to including social media efficiently in 2011.