There are currently over 200 million women living with diabetes and this total is projected to increase to more than 300 million by 2040. Diabetes is the ninth leading cause of death in women globally, causing 2.1 million deaths each year. Gender roles and power dynamics influence vulnerability to diabetes, affect access to health services and health seeking behaviour for women, and amplify the impact of diabetes on women.

To mark World Diabetes Day 2017, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) cordially invites you to a high-level stakeholder event that will focus on key themes of importance to the diabetes agenda through the prism of women. It will aim to highlight the importance of affordable and equitable access to screening, diabetes medicines and technologies, education and information for women living with diabetes and those at risk, and promote the role of women and girls as key influencers in the adoption of healthy lifestyles.