Students Honor World Diabetes Day on Chapel Quad

updated 11/19/12

Several hundred Duke students gathered at the Duke statue on the Chapel Quad Wednesday to pay tribute to friends, families and the international community battling diabetes for World Diabetes Day. The event is organized by student-led global health and cultural groups committed to raising awareness about non-communicable diseases like diabetes.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 346 million people worldwide have diabetes. This number is likely to more than double by 2030 without intervention. Almost 80 percent of diabetes deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Students dressed in blue, the signature color of World Diabetes Day, and formed a human circle while holding blue LED candles at 6:30pm Wednesday night on the Main Quad. This aerial view photo was taken from the top of the chapel. Earlier that day, student groups shared information about diabetes on the Main Quad. Students also signed a petition and learned about student activities, including an effort to work with children at the Ronald McDonald House to create a mural.

“Everybody is touched by diabetes in some way, making it even more imperative to act on this silent epidemic,” said student organizer Sanjana Marpadga. “We urge everyone on campus to begin the conversation about diabetes with their peers and reach out to someone they know who has it to learn more about the disease and its effect at the individual and community levels.”

Student groups involved in the event include Project HEAL, Amnesty International, Unite for Sight, McKids, Arts Connect, PHCC, DIYA, Red Cross and MSA. Student Nutrition and Wellness will also be conducting fitness classes in honor of World Diabetes Day.

Last year, students lit the Duke Chapel blue in honor of World Diabetes Day.

The day is celebrated on November 14th to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for diabetes patients.

Listen to Duke freshman Nicholas Camarda’s story. It’s a powerful way to learn about being a diabetic at Duke:

Learn more about World Diabetes Day at Duke.