Diabetes is characterized by too much glucose in the blood, which can damage any system or organ of the body, including the eyes. As time progresses, the disease damages blood vessels in the body which also includes the retina. Diabetic retinopathy is the term commonly used to describe any disorder of the retina that results from diabetes.

World Diabetes Day is celebrated every year on November 14 to mark the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who discovered the insulin hormone along with Charles Herbert Best in 1922. World Diabetes Day was established by the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1991.

Learning about the diabetes mellitus disease and actively participating in its treatment are important since complications are far less common and less severe in people who have well-managed blood sugar levels. As a part of this World Diabetes Day endeavor, diabetes screening programs are held; coordinated and concerted actions to confront diabetes as a critical global health issue are taken.

“Access to Diabetes Care - If Not Now, When?" is the theme for the World Diabetes Day 2021-2023. The campaign hinges on a particular theme that is followed for one or more years. The theme encourages people to be aware of the diabetes mellitus set of metabolic disorders so that they can benefit from the education on disease and treatment.