The Pacific Science Center arches were lit blue on Monday, Nov. 14, to recognize World Diabetes Day. The iconic arches were among many world landmarks, including the Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, the London Eye, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tokyo Tower, and Niagara Falls to be illuminated blue to raise awareness for diabetes.

The Puget Sound World Diabetes celebration took place at Pacific Science Center courtyard. The lighting ceremony featured Carla Greenbaum, M.D., director of the Diabetes Program at the Benaroya Research Institute, and an internationally recognized leader in diabetes research. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes varying in age from children to adults were interviewed.

Diabetes is a chronic, debilitating disease which affects nearly 500,000 people in Washington State and 220 million people worldwide and continues to increase. World Diabetes Day raises global awareness of diabetes and engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes advocacy. Started by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and World Health Organization (WHO), World Diabetes Day is celebrated on Nov. 14th to mark the birthday of Frederick Banting who, along with Charles Best, was instrumental in the discovery of insulin in 1922, a life-saving treatment for people with diabetes.

The Puget Sound World Diabetes Day event was a collaborative effort of local organizations committed to improving the lives of people with diabetes and those at risk. The committee includes Abbott Diabetes Care, American Diabetes Association, Animas Corporation, Benaroya Research Institute, Insulet Corporation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Lilly USA, Lions Clubs International, Mary Bridge Children’s Health Center, Medtronic, Novo Nordisk, Pacific Northwest Research Institute, Sanofi USA, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, University of Washington, and Virginia Mason Medical Center.