The significance is hard to understate. Diabetes becomes only the second disease, after Aids, to have its own UN resolution.
The reason is stark. Right now there are 246 million people living with diabetes around the world. 7 million new sufferers are diagnosed each year. By 2050 one in three families will be affected. 50% of people with diabetes do not know they have it. The fastest increase is among the rising tide of the obese and overweight, particularly children.
Diabetes and its complications is the leading cause of premature death worldwide. More than cancer, more than Aids, more than malaria or TB.
The cost of treating diabetes and its complications consumes more and more of each country's healthcare budget each year. Some 8% of the entire NHS budget is spent on treating diabetics.
Last week I attended a conference in New York on behalf of a cross-party group in Parliament, to start to work out with diabetes experts from 20 countries what action must be taken to respond to the UN challenge.
As a mark of the seriousness of the task, former President Bill Clinton, who addressed the conference, undertook to consider adding diabetes to the strategic aims of his Clinton Foundation which works to reduce Aids, TB and malaria globally.
He challenged our generation to act now, as we will not forgive ourselves if our legacy to our children and grandchildren is to reduce their life expectancy by leaving diabetes unchecked.
There is much we can do to raise awareness of the risks and combat obesity. Changing behaviour and eating habits for a less sedentary and healthier lifestyle is something everyone can do. Raising the political priority of diabetes is something I intend to do.
