Introduction
Diabetes Awareness Week 2025 runs from Monday 9 June to Sunday 15 June, and this year’s theme is all about “Shining a Light on Health Checks and Real Lives.” Organised annually by Diabetes UK, the week aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular health checks for people living with diabetes, highlight real-life experiences, and address the growing need for early diagnosis and education around diabetes management.
With over 5 million people living with diabetes in the UK—including nearly a million who remain undiagnosed—this campaign plays a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes, raising public understanding, and driving policy action.
Why Diabetes Awareness Matters in 2025
The scale and impact of diabetes in the UK cannot be overstated. According to Diabetes UK:
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4.3 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes.
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An estimated 850,000 people are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
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Diabetes accounts for 10% of the NHS budget—the majority spent on managing avoidable complications.
However, one-third of people with diabetes aren’t receiving their recommended annual checks, such as eye screening, foot assessments, and kidney function tests. These checks are vital for identifying complications before they become serious or irreversible.
This Year’s Theme: Shine a Light on Health Checks and Real Lives
The 2025 campaign focuses on two key areas:
1. Annual Health Checks
Annual reviews are essential to prevent serious complications such as blindness, kidney failure, heart disease, and amputations. Yet many individuals still miss out on these crucial appointments due to:
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Lack of awareness
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Inconvenient scheduling
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Fear or anxiety about test results
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Language or cultural barriers
This week, Diabetes UK is urging everyone with diabetes to prioritise their health by booking overdue checks and understanding what each test means for long-term wellbeing.
2. Real-Life Stories
To break the stigma and isolation that often comes with diabetes, the campaign highlights the personal experiences of people living with the condition. These stories bring the human side of diabetes into focus—demonstrating the daily struggles, resilience, and triumphs of those managing their health every day.
National Activities and Events
Throughout the week, a wide range of activities and resources are available to help people engage, learn, and take action. Highlights include:
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#DiabetesWeek Social Media Campaign: Individuals are encouraged to share their experiences using the hashtag, raising awareness and building community.
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Free Resources: Posters, information packs, and health check guides are available for GPs, schools, employers, and the general public to download and share.
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Workplace Wellbeing Sessions: Businesses across the UK are hosting talks, screenings, and awareness stands to support employee health.
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Community Events: Local Diabetes UK groups are running events such as walking groups, healthy cooking demos, and drop-in clinics.
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Virtual Webinars: Healthcare professionals are offering online sessions for people seeking advice on diet, blood glucose management, and mental health.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you have diabetes, care for someone who does, or simply want to support a good cause, there are many ways to take part:
✅ Book your health checks – If you have diabetes, make sure your annual reviews are up to date.
✅ Share your story – Use social media to talk about your journey or support others using #DiabetesWeek.
✅ Fundraise – Organise a walk, bake sale, or dress-down day to raise funds for Diabetes UK’s research and education efforts.
✅ Use the tools – Download free awareness posters and guides from the Diabetes UK website to display at your workplace, school, or local club.
✅ Educate yourself and others – Learn the signs of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and encourage loved ones to get tested if they’re at risk.
The Broader Impact
Founded in 1934 by science fiction writer H.G. Wells and Dr. Robert Lawrence, Diabetes UK is the leading charity for people living with diabetes in the UK. Through research funding, helpline services, campaigning, and local support groups, the organisation continues to fight for a world where diabetes can do no harm.
In 2025, the charity is also focusing on:
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Reducing inequalities in access to care among minority communities
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Championing continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies for all
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Advocating for mental health support as a standard part of diabetes care
Final Thoughts
Diabetes Awareness Week 2025 is more than a calendar event—it’s a vital opportunity to act. With millions affected and thousands undiagnosed, early intervention and regular monitoring can save lives. Whether it’s a foot check, an eye exam, or simply starting a conversation, your actions this week could make a meaningful difference.
Let’s shine a light on health checks, real stories, and the power of community to make diabetes care better, fairer, and more accessible for everyone.