14 November 2009
Both Old and New Parliament Houses in Canberra will be specially lit
this weekend to draw attention to the growing world crisis in diabetes
The International Diabetes Federation’s (IDF) latest data shows diabetes now affects 285
million people worldwide and will cost the world economy at least US$376 billion in 2010, or
11.6 per cent of total world healthcare expenditure.
A further 344 million people are at risk of developing diabetes (pre-diabetes). If nothing is done
to reverse the epidemic, IDF predicts that by 2030, 435 million people will live with the disease
at a cost projected to exceed US$490 billion.
To draw attention to this health crisis, Old Parliament House and new Parliament House in
Canberra, the home of Australia's Parliament and the meeting place of the nation along with
many iconic building around Australia and over 600 iconic buildings worldwide – will be
specially lit leading up to Saturday, 14 November, World Diabetes Day.
Since 2007 and the United Nation’s recognition of diabetes as a chronic and life threatening
disease, iconic buildings around the world have been lit in blue to mark the day (or a blue circle
that is the global symbol of diabetes.)
The London Eye in the UK, the Tokyo Tower in Japan, the Opera House in Sydney and the
Empire State building in New York have been spectacularly bathed in blue light to bring
attention to the burgeoning disease.
Diabetes Australia’s Acting Chief Executive Greg Johnson said diabetes was now the world’s
fourth leading cause of death in the world, behind cancer and heart disease and infectious
diseases.
For further information:
Lyn Curtis, 0411 019 924, lcurtis@diabetesvic.org.au
Phoebe Bond, 0411 313 840, pbond@dibatesvic.org.au
“The need for action is evident as the world has increasingly older populations and chronic
diseases like diabetes grow in epidemic proportions. We have to reduce the risk factors
including obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition and encourage people to enjoy a
healthy older age.”
Mr Johnson said the spread of the disease was alarming and worldwide:
Every 10 seconds a person dies from diabetes-related causes
Every 10 seconds two people develop diabetes
Every 30 seconds a limb is lost to diabetes
Each year a 7 million people develop diabetes
Each year 4 million deaths are attributable to diabetes
An official United Nation’s Day, World Diabetes Day is celebrated on 14 November to mark the
birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who is credited with the discovery of insulin.
To find out what Australian iconic buildings are being lit up in your state or contact your state or
territory diabetes organisation
NEWS 
