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Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security has announced that it will once again organise a series of awareness and screening activities to mark World Diabetes Day on Saturday 14 November 2026, with this year's campaign focusing on early detection and reducing risk factors.
Organised under the theme "Act Early Against Diabetes", the ministry aims to remind the public of the importance of detecting the disease as early as possible. In Luxembourg, several initiatives will allow the public to obtain information and assess their risk of diabetes.
Recognising symptoms of type 1 diabetes, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss, can help ensure timely treatment. Type 2 diabetes, however, can develop without noticeable symptoms, making early detection particularly important to prevent complications.
According to 2024 estimates from the International Diabetes Federation, 26.2% of adults aged 20 to 79 living with diabetes in Luxembourg remain undiagnosed.
Diabetes Risk Assessments in Pharmacies
From Wednesday 11 to Saturday 21 November 2026, 50 pharmacies across Luxembourg will offer diabetes risk assessments as part of a joint awareness campaign organised by the Health Directorate, the Luxembourg Pharmacists' Association (SPL) and the Luxembourg Diabetes Association (ALD).
The initiative targets people aged 45 and over, as well as those aged 35 and over with risk factors such as a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes. Participants can assess their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in approximately 10 minutes and receive personalised advice from a healthcare professional.
Participating pharmacies can be identified by campaign flags displayed outside, with a full list available on santesecu.lu. Visitors are advised to attend at least two hours after their last meal.
The previous three editions of the campaign recorded a total of 3,245 diabetes risk assessments.
World Diabetes Day Events
On Tuesday 10 November 2026, the ALD will organise an evening of conferences under the theme "Act Early Against Diabetes" at Hôtel Parc Belle-Vue in Luxembourg-Ville. Information stands will open at 18:00, followed by conferences at 19:00 covering type 1 diabetes screening, prevention, physical activity and the experiences of a person living with type 2 diabetes.
The presentations will take place in French and Luxembourgish with simultaneous translation. Admission is free, but registration is required through the Maison du Diabète by tel: 48 53 61 or email at info@ald.lu.
Another activity will take place on Saturday 14 November 2026, when the traditional "10,000 Steps Walk" returns to Dudelange, organised by the ALD and Gehansbiergknappen 75 Butscheburg in collaboration with the Luxembourg Federation of Popular Walking (FLMP).
Participants can choose between 5 km and 10 km routes, including a family rally along the shorter route. Departures will take place between 08:00 and 13:00 from CIPA Grand-Duc Jean (9 Rue Pierre Dupong). An information stand will also offer diabetes risk assessments. Participation costs €1.50 and is free for those aged 18 and under.
Several hospitals, including Hôpitaux Robert Schuman (HRS), Centre Hospitalier du Nord (CHdN), Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg (CHL) and Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch (CHEM), will also organise awareness activities.
For further information, including the list of participating pharmacies and the full programme, visit https://santesecu.public.lu/en/agenda/2026/novembre/journee-mondiale-diabete.html.
