The Merlin Entertainments London Eye, the Shell Centre Tower, National Theatre and the London Marriott Hotel, County Hall, all on London's South Bank will be lit up blue on Saturday 14 November to mark World Diabetes Day 2009 and raise awareness of diabetes across the world.

World Diabetes Day aims to make people aware of the seriousness of the condition and the impact it has across the world.

Why blue?

Blue represents World Diabetes Day because it is the official colour of the logo and of the UNite for Diabetes campaign, which was instrumental in the United Nations' resolution recognising diabetes as a major threat to global health.

Dates for this year's illuminations

The Shell Tower and the London Marriott Hotel, County Hall, are lit up from Monday 9 to Saturday 14 November, the award-winning London Eye is lit up on Monday 9 and on Saturday 14 November, with the National Theatre illuminated on Saturday 14 November.

Worldwide 'Monument Challenge'

Hundreds of other monuments and landmarks around the world are also being lit up in blue on or around World Diabetes Day, as part of the World Diabetes Day 'Monument Challenge'.

Iconic

"It is marvellous that the four most iconic buildings on the South Bank in London are lit up in blue to mark World Diabetes Day," said Douglas Smallwood, Chief Executive of Diabetes UK

Uniting to combat diabetes

"This undoubtedly raises awareness of diabetes to thousands of people across the capital and showed how we are uniting to combat one of the biggest health epidemics in the UK."

About World Diabetes Day 2009

World Diabetes Day is led by the International Diabetes Federation. This year the theme of World Diabetes Day is 'Diabetes Education and Prevention'.

Supporters of World Diabetes Day

Organisations supporting World Diabetes Day in the UK include Diabetes UK, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Children with Diabetes Advocacy Group, INPUT, Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust and Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation.

Source
Diabetes UK