Amid a national party congress that will install China's new leaders and the aftermath of a US presidential election, a day on the UN calendar that comes round every year seems unremarkable. World Diabetes Day is an exception. The disease is not infectious, yet it assumes epidemic proportions in ageing societies like Hong Kong's and takes root insidiously amid rising prosperity, such as on the mainland.

The day is held on November 14 to mark the birthday of one of the discoverers of insulin, Frederick Banting. The disease has already been highlighted globally once this year by the theme of World Health Day in April - ageing and health. Diabetes was bracketed with other non-communicable illnesses such as heart and respiratory disease, stroke and cancer among major health challenges for older people. Indeed, it can be linked to heart disease, and all are often associated with lifestyle issues.

The risk of death from such diseases is four times greater in low-to-middle income countries, which puts Hong Kong in the higher-risk group, despite its wealth. The risk can be reduced by a lifestyle that includes exercise, healthy eating and moderate consumption of alcohol, and excludes smoking. This all resonates in Hong Kong, where the needs of an ageing population will weigh on public spending on health and welfare.