#Italy #Rome #Diabetes Awareness #World Diabetes Day #Roma Tor Vergata

Illuminating Awareness: Roma Tor Vergata for World Diabetes Day 2025

On November 13, 2025, the Rectorate building of the University of Roma Tor Vergata will shine brightly to commemorate World Diabetes Day, celebrated on November 14. This special occasion has been organized by the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases from the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery at the university, aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and its prevention. The dates have been selected to fall in early November, creating a ten-day campaign that engages the public in this critical health discussion.

World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The date coincides with the birthday of Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin, whose groundbreaking work has significantly altered the course of diabetes treatment. Recognized as the first non-communicable pandemic by the United Nations (UN), diabetes mellitus poses one of the most pressing health challenges today.

The initiative at Roma Tor Vergata not only highlights the importance of awareness and education regarding diabetes, but it also seeks to emphasize the need for early detection and robust preventative measures. Illuminating the facade of the Rectorate building with the blue circle, the official symbol of World Diabetes Day, conveys a strong message of solidarity and commitment to combating diabetes. This symbolic act is orchestrated by Professor Davide Lauro, an expert in endocrinology, along with engineering professor Marco Re and researcher Dr. Aikaterini Andreadi.

Prof. Lauro explains, “The illumination of the Rectorate represents our university's dedication not only to research, diagnosis, and treatment but also to raising social awareness. It is crucial in facilitating the development of intervention and prevention strategies that can significantly impact the spread of this epidemic.” He emphasizes the need to engage young people and the community, as many remain unaware of their diabetes risk.

With diabetes increasingly becoming a health crisis in Italy—currently affecting approximately 6% of the population, that is over 3.5 million individuals—educating people is imperative. The number of affected individuals is projected to rise dramatically. Among its complications, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal failure requiring dialysis, and non-traumatic lower limb amputations.

The collaboration between Roma Tor Vergata, the IDF, and WHO underscores global efforts to address this devastating health condition. This partnership aims to promote improved access to diabetes care while developing national strategies for better health outcomes. Through international clinical studies, researchers, like Prof. Lauro, investigate innovative treatment options and potential biomarkers for diabetes.

As the world prepares to observe World Diabetes Day this year, the efforts undertaken by Roma Tor Vergata serve as a beacon of hope and highlight the collaborative fight against diabetes. The university's commitment to amplifying awareness through such initiatives is an invaluable aspect of public health advocacy, paving the way for a healthier future.

By strategically shining a light on this preventable disease, Roma Tor Vergata aims to encourage dialogue, drive advocacy, and ultimately contribute to tackling the growing diabetes epidemic. Each illuminated day can lead to informed discussions and action that helps save lives, making each moment count.

Let us come together to shed light on diabetes—because knowledge is the first step toward prevention.