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

Shedding Light on Diabetes

In a remarkable initiative led by the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at the University of Roma Tor Vergata, the university’s Rectorate building will be illuminated from November 10 to 18, 2025. This illumination is part of a broader campaign aimed at raising awareness about diabetes and its implications in society. The timing of this event coincides with World Diabetes Day, which is celebrated annually on November 14.

World Diabetes Day was established in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The significance of this date stems from the birthday of Frederick Banting, who, along with his student Charles Best, discovered insulin—a breakthrough that transformed diabetes treatment. Today, diabetes is acknowledged as the first pandemic identified by the United Nations that is not caused by an infectious agent.

The campaign at Roma Tor Vergata primarily seeks to enhance understanding of diabetes, stressing the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. The Rectorate's façade will prominently feature the official World Diabetes Day logo: a blue circle, serving as a powerful symbol of unity in the fight against this disease. This initiative is spearheaded by Professor Davide Lauro of the Endocrinology department, alongside Marco Re, a professor in digital electronics, and Dr. Aikaterini Andreadi, a researcher in endocrinology.

Professor Lauro explains, "The lighting at the Rectorate symbolizes our University's commitment not only to research, diagnosis, and treatment but also to promoting social awareness. This awareness is vital for implementing effective intervention strategies that can significantly impact the epidemic.

"We must educate both the youth and the community at large about diabetes risks, as many people are unaware of their susceptibility to the disease, and others may already be affected without a diagnosis. Knowledge is the first step towards prevention."

Professor Lauro specializes in endocrine and metabolic diseases, with a focus on diabetes and type 2 diabetes. He has also been involved in various international clinical trials aimed at investigating innovative therapies for diabetes treatment. His ongoing research strives to uncover potential new biomarkers associated with diabetes.

Diabetes is the second disease, following HIV/AIDS, to be recognized by the United Nations with an official World Day. In partnership with WHO, the IDF promotes strategies for improving human health, developing national policies, and reinforcing global efforts against diabetes. In alignment with these goals, it emphasizes the need to shine a light on the global impact of diabetes and the strategies necessary to enhance access to care.

According to estimates from 2020, about 6% of Italy's population—over 3.5 million individuals—suffers from diabetes, a figure that is projected to rise dramatically in the coming years. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, kidney failure necessitating dialysis, and non-traumatic amputations of the lower limbs, highlighting the urgency of awareness and prevention measures.

As the university lights up in recognition of World Diabetes Day, it underscores the importance of collective action in addressing this growing health crisis. The message is clear: heightened awareness can lead to better prevention and treatment, ensuring a healthier future for many individuals facing the challenges of diabetes.