Diabetes has reached epidemic proportions worldwide and is associated with a large economic burden, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. Hyperglycaemia is the hallmark clinical manifestation of diabetes and evolves through a multi factorial aetiology of genetic, environmental, and behavioural enablers.

Approximately 90% of diabetes cases are the non-insulin-dependent phenotype, which is characterized by a progressive deterioration in insulin-mediated glucose disposal, particularly by peripheral tissues. The most proximal behavioural cause of insulin resistance is physical inactivity. Indeed, several streams of scientific research have demonstrated a role for physical activity in the aetiology and prevention of diabetes and its related morbidity. According to Diabetes Atlas 7th edition, in sub Saharan countries 62,5% of the community living with diabetes are not diagnosed. Diabetes awareness through campaigns could enhance knowledge of the Rwandan people to diabetes check up and prevent onset complications.

The World Diabetes Day led by the International Diabetes Federation and its member associations around the world and it is always an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the diabetes patients. In Rwanda, together with the Ministry of Health of Rwanda/Rwanda Biomedical Center, Rwanda Diabetes Association and Team Type 1, The World Diabetes Day was celebrated around the Cycling tour of Rwanda.

Rwanda Biomedical Center/NCDs Division in collaboration with Rwanda Diabetes Association and Team Type 1 (TT1) did free screenings of Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar and many talks-shows and discussions about physical activities and living with diabetes.

The general objective of the campaign was to improve awareness of Diabetes in Rwanda. However, our specific objectives are:

• To educate the attendees on the modified risk factors prevention (physical activity and its role on prevention of type 2 diabetes).
• To voluntarily measure blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure.

A team composed by 15 people from RBC and Rwanda Diabetes Association and another team composed by 70 students (volunteering) from the University of Rwanda conducted free screenings of blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure to the present public and made discussions about the disease.