Diabetes currently affects 425 million adults, a total that is set to reach 629 million by 2045. When not appropriately managed, all types of diabetes can result in complications affecting many parts of the body, leading to frequent hospitalisation and early death. Diabetes is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease, with one out of four diabetes inpatient costs a consequence of cardiovascular complications. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of vision loss in working-age adults. The prevalence of end-stage renal disease is up to ten times higher in people with diabetes. Pregnant women with diabetes are at increased risk of maternal and foetal complications. Losing a limb is one of the most feared complications of diabetes and a major medical problem worldwide. India, home to the second largest number of diabetes cases (73 million in 2017), is the ideal setting for this event. It is estimated that over half of people currently living with diabetes in the country are undiagnosed so there is a real urgency to increase awareness and knowledge of diabetes and its associated complications. Healthcare professionals need the tools to promote screening and early diagnosis to improve health outcomes and help save lives.