�����鶹

World Diabetes Day 2025

World Diabetes Day | 14 November 2025

Theme for 2025: Diabetes and Well-Being at Work

? Why Do We Celebrate World Diabetes Day?

World Diabetes Day was introduced in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the rising global burden of diabetes. In 2007, the United Nations declared 14 November an official international health day.

? Why 14 November?

This date marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, the scientist who—together with Charles Best—discovered insulin in 1922. Their discovery transformed diabetes from a fatal illness into a treatable chronic condition.

? Diabetes: A Growing Global & National Concern

• Global Impact
  • Over 537 million adults worldwide live with diabetes.
  • Expected to reach 643 million by 2030.
  • Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, stroke, and lower limb amputation.

• Malaysia’s Reality
  • Malaysia has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates in Asia.
  • About 1 in 5 adults are living with diabetes.
  • Many individuals remain undiagnosed until complications arise.
  • Lifestyle factors—urbanisation, diet, stress, and limited physical activity—play a significant role.

? How UMBI Contributes to Diabetes Research

At the �����鶹 Medical Molecular Biology Institute (UMBI), researchers work to advance diabetes science through:

1. Genomic & biomarker research for early detection

2. Precision medicine strategies to understand individual risk

• Research Updates Series in Molecular Medicine No. 24/2025

3. Population studies to map trends and prevention strategies

• Case Control Study O Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Preliminary Findings from the Malaysia Cohort Study

4. AI-driven predictive models for cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes

5. Collaborative projects under UMBI and The Malaysian Cohort, and other national and international initiatives

• PRIME Study: Precision Medicine in T2DM for Malaysia.
• Webinar Precision Medicine in Malaysia: Ready for Prime Time
• PRecision medicine for diabetic Individuals: a joint Malaysia- UK Effort (PRIME): Close out Symposium
• The PRIME collaboration
• Obesity and non-communicable disease in Malaysia: an imaging study of 6000 adults in the Malaysian Cohort Study 

? What Can You Do Today?

• ✔️ 1. Know Your Numbers

  • Schedule a screening for:
  • Fasting glucose
  • HbA1c
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Kidney function

• ✔️ 2. Build Healthier Daily Habits

  • Choose balanced meals
  • Be physically active
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Reduce sugary drinks
  • Quit smoking
  • Manage stress

• ✔️ 3. Support Awareness & Research

  • Share reliable information, encourage loved ones to screen, and support health initiatives.

? We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our grant funders, collaborators, patients, their families, and our dedicated team and staff for their unwavering commitment.

Our goal: better prediction, better treatment, and better quality of life for Malaysians.

—

SDG 3 | SDG 4 | SDG 17

Keywords: Diseases, Health, Wellbeing, Education, Global Parnership, Knowledge sharing