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24TH OCTOBER
WORLD DIABETES DAY
14TH NOVEMBER
We are proud to launch the 2025 This Is Diabetes Art Competition, a global celebration of creativity, expression, and the lived experiences of people affected by diabetes. As we approach World Diabetes Day 2025, we invite you to share powerful, original artwork that reveals what diabetes really looks like-through your eyes.
This year’s theme is:
Diabetes and Anxiety
We want to raise awareness, start conversations, and help the world better understand the challenges, victories, and day-to day realities faced by those living with diabetes.
3 out of 4 people living with diabetes have experienced anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition because of their diabetes
Your Art. Your Story. Your Impact.
We're calling on artists of all levels to create artwork that tells the unfiltered story of diabetes and managing anxiety. Whether you live with diabetes, support someone who does, or are moved by the cause, this is your chance to make a difference through art.
This competition is open globally and free to enter.
Why Participate?
- Share your unique story or perspective on diabetes.
- Raise awareness and bring visibility to challenges faced by the diabetes community.
- Nominate a diabetes charity to receive up to €6,000 in your name.
New for 2025:
Celebrating Creativity in New Ways
This World Diabetes Day 2025, taking place on 14th November, we will reveal the Top 20 selected artworks across our platforms. These images will also be released as part of a free downloadable colouring-in booklet, designed to educate and inspire individuals, families, and communities to connect through creativity.
Prizes
1st prize: €6,000 donation to a diabetes charity of your choice
2nd prize: €3,000 donation
3rd prize: €1,000 donation
Charities must be pre-approved or nominated through our submission form.
Judging Criteria
Our panel of global artists and diabetes advocates will judge entries based on:
- Relevance to the theme
- Emotional impact
- Creativity and originality
- Storytelling behind the artwork
Competition Rules
- Open to the public, ages 18 and up.
- One entry per person.
- Submissions must be original 2D static artwork (e.g. illustration, painting, drawing, digital art).
- AI-generated art will be accepted as long as you clearly mark it as generative art. We will be running each submission through and AI check.
- No visible brand names, logos, or copyrighted materials.
- Entries must be submitted with a title and a video or written story about your piece and how it reflects this year’s theme.
Deadline for Submissions: 24th October 2025 (11:59 PM Pacific Time)
Archive
Winning Entries from Previous Years
2023 - 1st prize
The search for balance
Monia Elhajjaoui
Italy
2023 - 2nd prize
Parched
Charlotte Kessler
USA
2023 - 3rd prize
Are they getting the Point?
Fanni Den
UK
2023 - Finalist
In my mind
Ivy Hayward
Canada
2022 - 1st prize
Learning on the way
Maga Nogueira
Germany
2022 - 2nd prize
Invisible Battles
Katie Lamb
UK
2022 - 3rd prize
Dancing in the rain
Leonie van Someren
the Netherlands
2022 - 3rd prize
Diabetes Doesn't Discriminate
Orla Nolan
Ireland
2023 - 1st prize
The search for balance
Monia Elhajjaoui
Italy
2023 - 2nd prize
Parched
Charlotte Kessler
USA
2023 - 3rd prize
Are they getting the Point?
Fanni Den
UK
2023 - Finalist
In my mind
Ivy Hayward
Canada
2022 - 1st prize
Learning on the way
Maga Nogueira
Germany
2022 - 2nd prize
Invisible Battles
Katie Lamb
UK
2022 - 3rd prize
Dancing in the rain
Leonie van Someren
the Netherlands
2022 - 3rd prize
Diabetes Doesn't Discriminate
Orla Nolan
Ireland
How to Submit
Submit your artwork via the form on our website.
By submitting, you confirm you are the original creator and have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions.
Let your art help change the way the world sees diabetes. Submit your entry today and be part of something inspiring.
You will need to provide:
- Name and country of residence
- Contact details
- Title of your artwork
- Social media handles (optional)
- A story about your piece in video or written form
- Preferred diabetes charity
- JPEG or PNG file (max 10MB)
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day (WDD) is the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign reaching a global audience of over 1 billion people in over 160 countries. It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.
World Diabetes Day is a global occasion for people with diabetes, healthcare professionals, advocates, policymakers and the public to unite to raise awareness of and take action on diabetes.
This World Diabetes Day, get involved and support our call for wellbeing to be put at the heart of diabetes care. Please follow along on social media or share this page on yours to do your part in spreading awareness on diabetes.
CONTACT
For any competition-related questions: hello@thisisdiabetes.com
Please do not contact us regarding medical products or services.
