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November 14th • Health & Responsibility

World Diabetes Day

World Diabetes Day is the primary global awareness campaign focusing on diabetes mellitus and is held on November 14th each year. Today, we debate the global sugar crisis, the responsibility of the food industry in promoting unhealthy products, and the ethics of fat taxes on sugary drinks and snacks. Is the rise of diabetes a matter of personal choice, or a failure of public health policy?

A pile of sugar cubes with a blue circle overlay

Speaking Discussion

  • How much of an impact does the food environment (e.g., availability of cheap, sugary food) have on our ability to maintain a healthy weight?
  • In your opinion, should governments introduce sugar taxes to discourage people from buying unhealthy products? Does this truly change behavior?
  • How much responsibility should major food and beverage corporations take for the global rise in obesity and diabetes?
  • Do you think that the marketing of sugary cereals and snacks to children should be banned or more strictly regulated?
  • What is the most effective way for a person to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the modern world? Is it easy to do?
  • If you had to choose between a tax on sugar or a subsidy on fresh fruit and vegetables, which do you think would be more effective? Why?

Activity 1: The health policy Pitch

The Task: You are a Public Health Official. You need to pitch a new policy to reduce sugar consumption in your city's schools.

What are the three main points of your policy, and how will you convince parents and teachers to support it?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The biggest driver of the sugar crisis is..."
  • "I think public health taxes are..."
  • "In my opinion, personal responsibility in diet is..."