It’s one of the leading causes of death globally — in fact, it’s so common that 1 in 3 people in the U.S. are at risk of developing it.
It’s a disease whose prevalence has doubled in just 20 years — yet half the people who have it are undiagnosed.
The treatments are well-known and available — yet they can cost tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime.
A Global Health Crisis
Diabetes is an urgent global health crisis that affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. More than 1.5 million people die from diabetes every year, the majority in low- and middle-income countries where essential medicines like insulin may be completely out of reach.
Project HOPE helps communities prevent, detect, manage, and treat noncommunicable diseases like diabetes by working closely with health workers, patients, and at-risk populations worldwide. For more than 20 years, we’ve helped people with diabetes manage their health and access the care and support they need.
This World Diabetes Day, we stand with the World Diabetes Federation to say that access to diabetes care must be made available to everyone, everywhere.
Join us.
Everyone deserves access to the care they need to live a full, healthy life.
This World Diabetes Day, we are excited to partner with Athletes For Hope to raise awareness of the importance of diabetes care and elevate the voices of athletes who haven’t let their diagnosis slow them down.
Our World Diabetes Day 2021 ambassadors, MLS star Andy Rose and PWHPA hockey player Anissa Gamble, agree: it’s not OK that millions of people around the world do not have access to diabetes care.
‘Be Kind To Yourself’: How Diabetes Shaped MLS Star Andy Rose On and Off the Field
Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Andy Rose was worried his diabetes diagnosis would affect his play on the field. Now, he says, it was a blessing in disguise.
‘You Can Do Anything With Diabetes’: Q&A With PWHPA Hockey Player Anissa Gamble
Diabetes didn’t stop Anissa Gamble from becoming a professional hockey player and working toward a career as a diabetes researcher and clinician. Her message for others living with diabetes? Your diagnosis doesn’t have to hold you back.
#WhatsYourPlan? A Healthier Future Starts Now
When it comes to taking control of your health, you don’t have to think big — even simple steps like eating healthy, exercising regularly, and drinking more water can lower your risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases.
Every decision counts, no matter how small. But the earlier you commit to living a healthier future, the better. Here are three things you can do today:
1. Assess your risk.
If you think you are at an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, the International Diabetes Foundation has a short quiz to assess your diabetes risk. It only takes a few minutes to complete and can help you understand how genetic predisposition, body mass index, and lifestyle choices contribute to your risk of developing the disease.
2. Find at least three ways to make your daily routine healthier.
Can you swap sugary drinks for water? Stand instead of sit? Set a timer to remind yourself to move around? Write down a few simple things you can do and post them in a place you’ll see them every day. If you’re interested in larger lifestyle changes that could benefit your health, work with your health care provider to make a plan that works for you.
3. Share your plan.
Download and use our graphics to share your plan on social media and encourage others to make their own. Follow Project HOPE on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and tag us @projecthopeorg to help spread the word about the importance of taking control of your health.
All of us can do our part to build a future free of diabetes and other chronic diseases. What will you do?
More Ways You Can Help
Make A Gift To Support Our Work
Our lifesaving work around the globe isn’t possible without the support of people like you! And with more than 87% of our expended resources going to support our health projects around the globe, you can be confident that your support is bringing hope to those who need it most.
Host A Fundraiser
Create a fundraiser for Project HOPE on Facebook or Instagram and encourage your friends and family to donate.
Spread The Word
Follow Project HOPE on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn (@projecthopeorg) and share our posts to help spread the word about diabetes and Project HOPE’s impact around the world.