World Diabetes Day – 14 November 2026

 Report on World Diabetes Day – 14 November 2026

Activity: Group Discussion (समूह चर्चा) Department: Department of Social Work Programme: Master of Social Work (MSW) Theme: Diabetes and the Workplace (मधुमेह एवं कार्यस्थल) Topic of Group Discussion: “Diabetes: An Individual Problem vs. A Social Problem” (मधुमेह – एक व्यक्तिगत समस्या बनाम सामाजिक समस्या)

 1\. Introduction

World Diabetes Day is observed every year on 14 November to create awareness about diabetes, its prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and management.

On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, the Department of Social Work organized a group discussion activity for MSW students to develop their understanding of diabetes from individual as well as social perspectives.

The discussion was conducted around the topic “Diabetes – An Individual Problem vs. A Social Problem” to encourage students to understand the medical, psychological, economic and social dimensions of diabetes.

The activity also aimed to connect classroom learning with community-based social work practice.

 2\. Objectives of the Activity

* To develop awareness about diabetes and its causes.

* To understand diabetes as an individual health concern as well as a social issue.

* To discuss the role of family, workplace and community in diabetes prevention and management.

* To develop communication, critical thinking and presentation skills among MSW students.

* To understand the role of social workers in diabetes awareness and prevention.

* To encourage students to undertake community-level awareness activities during fieldwork.

Official 2026 Theme

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO have announced the 2026–2027 theme as “Early Action on Diabetes” (मधुमेह पर समय रहते कार्रवाई). Its focus is on early diagnosis, risk reduction and timely access to healthcare. International Diabetes Federation +1

 3\. Formation of Groups and Discussion Topics

The students were divided into two groups:

Group A – मधुमेह एक व्यक्तिगत समस्या (Diabetes as an Individual Problem)

The group discussed the following points:

* Diabetes as a health condition affecting an individual.

* Role of personal lifestyle, food habits and physical activity.

* Genetic and other risk factors associated with diabetes.

* Importance of regular health check-ups and blood sugar monitoring.

* Personal responsibility for medication, diet and treatment.

* Psychological challenges, stress and lifestyle changes.

* Importance of early diagnosis and timely medical consultation.

Group B – मधुमेह एक सामाजिक समस्या (Diabetes as a Social Problem)

The group discussed the following points:

* Diabetes as an emerging public health concern.

* Impact of diabetes on family income and household expenditure.

* Role of poverty, food habits and socioeconomic conditions.

* Lack of health awareness and healthcare facilities in rural areas.

* Impact of urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and changing food patterns.

* Social stigma and discrimination against people living with diabetes.

* Role of government, NGOs, health workers and social workers in prevention and control.

 4\. Performance and Observation of Both Groups

Both groups participated in the discussion and presented their respective viewpoints.

* Group A: Students presented the individual perspective of diabetes, emphasizing personal health, lifestyle, dietary habits and self-management.

* Group B: Students discussed the social dimensions of diabetes, highlighting family, community, economic conditions and access to healthcare.

Overall observation: Both groups demonstrated average performance. Students participated in the discussion and shared relevant points, although there was scope for improvement in depth of knowledge, logical arguments, confidence and effective communication.

The activity provided an opportunity for students to understand that diabetes cannot be viewed only as an individual's health problem; its prevention and management also require family, community and institutional support.

 5\. Rules and Guidelines Followed for Group Discussion

The following rules were explained to students to maintain discipline and ensure meaningful participation:

* Equal opportunity: Every student should get an opportunity to express their views.

* Respectful communication: Respect the opinions and viewpoints of other participants.

* No interruption: Do not interrupt while another student is speaking.

* Relevant discussion: Arguments should be related to the assigned topic.

* Logical presentation: Support opinions with facts, examples and practical experiences.

* Time management: Each participant should present their views within the allotted time.

* No personal criticism: Criticize ideas, not individuals.

* Active listening: Listen carefully and respond appropriately to other viewpoints.

* Team coordination: Group members should support each other and maintain coordination.

* Conclusion: Each group should summarize its major arguments and present a balanced conclusion.

 6\. Major Learning Outcomes

Through this activity, students understood that:

* Diabetes is an individual medical condition but also a wider social and public health concern.

* Early identification and regular screening can help prevent serious complications.

* Family support and community awareness are important for diabetes management.

* Socioeconomic conditions, food availability, lifestyle and healthcare accessibility influence diabetes prevention.

* Social workers can act as facilitators between individuals, families, communities and healthcare institutions.

 7\. Fieldwork Action Plan and Students' Resolution

At the end of the group discussion, students collectively decided to extend their classroom learning into practical community work.

The students resolved to undertake the following activities in their respective wards and villages during fieldwork:

* Conduct diabetes awareness activities in their respective communities.

* Coordinate with ASHA workers, ANMs and other local health workers.

* Encourage community members to participate in diabetes screening and health check-ups.

* Spread awareness about early symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and tiredness.

* Promote healthy food habits, regular physical activity and lifestyle modification.

* Identify people who may need medical consultation and encourage them to visit the nearest health facility.

* Encourage families to support people living with diabetes without discrimination or stigma.

* Collect community-level observations and prepare fieldwork reports on awareness, prevention and healthcare accessibility.

Important: Students will not undertake medical diagnosis or prescribe medicines. Screening, diagnosis and treatment will be conducted by qualified healthcare professionals.

 8\. Conclusion

The group discussion organized on the occasion of World Diabetes Day 2026 was a meaningful academic activity for MSW students. Although the overall performance of both groups was average, the activity helped students understand diabetes from individual and social perspectives.

The most important outcome was the collective decision of students to take forward their learning through community-based awareness activities in their respective wards and villages in coordination with local health workers.

The activity reinforced the understanding that diabetes prevention is not only an individual's responsibility but also a shared responsibility of families, communities, healthcare institutions and society.

**The activity was coordinated and facilitated by the faculty members:

* Prof. Neelima Khare – Head of the Department and Dean (Guidance and Direction)

* Nitin Garg – Faculty Member

* Arpit Dubey – Faculty Member

Participants: Students of MSW First Semester and Third Semester actively participated in the group discussion through two groups, Group A and Group B.

The faculty members guided the students throughout the activity and encouraged them to connect academic knowledge with practical community-based interventions.

The programme concluded with a collective commitment by MSW First and Third Semester students to undertake diabetes awareness activities in their respective villages and wards in coordination with local health workers as part of their social work fieldwork.

Campaign Message: #ActEarlyOnDiabetes

Department of Social Work Pandit Shambhunath Shukla University, Shahdol (M.P.)