On November 14, 2023, Assistant Professor Dr. Saovaros Meekusol, Associate Professor Dr. Piyatida Nakagasien, and Lecturer Change Preeprem from the Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University, along with 4th-year students of the undergraduate program, jointly organized the “Diabetes Risk Awareness Parade” in recognition of World Diabetes Day. The activity was the part of the “Community Relations for Diabetes Prevention” project, conducted in collaboration with network partners including the Public Health Service Center 33 (Wat Hong Rattanaram), Bangkok Yai District Office, Bangkok Yai Metropolitan Police Station, Community Relations Organization, Community Relations Volunteer Group, Policy Research and Development Institute Foundation (PRI), and the Faculty of Nursing, Mahidol University.

The aim of this activity was to promote health and reduce the risk of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases following the government’s Twenty-Year National Strategic Plan for Public Health. It also aimed to change the health behavior of diabetic patients to prevent complications that could affect quality of life, society, and the country’s economy. In addition to the parade to promote health and prevent diabetes, there was also a show called “Diabetes is Dangerous” performed by students from the Faculty of Nursing.

The World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14 every year. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2023 is “Diabetes: Know Your Risk, Know Your Response”, to raise awareness of the dangers of diabetes as it is a common disease among Thais and can be found in all age groups. Changing behavior can help prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.