November Is Diabetes Awareness Month: Support, Learn, and Take Action

Diabetes Awareness Month was recognized by President Reagan in 1987. It’s been observed ever since. Throughout the month, people rally together to show support, celebrate progress, and raise diabetes awareness.  

Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases in the U.S. It affects over 37 million people — or about 1 in every 10 people. With these statistics, you likely know someone who is affected by diabetes. And that person may even be you. 

Diabetes Awareness Month can help curb the global diabetes epidemic by:

• Increasing collective understanding of prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes

• Sharing knowledge about prediabetes risk and testing

• Raising awareness how to prevent diabetes and when to seek support for symptoms 

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When is Diabetes Awareness Month?

Diabetes Awareness Month takes place every November. It’s a time when individuals and groups, such as the American Diabetes Association and JDRF, come together to increase awareness about diabetes.

The month is centered around World Diabetes Day, which falls every year on November 14. It also happens to be the birthday of Dr. Frederick Banting, who along with Charles Best, discovered insulin in 1922. 

To raise awareness about this global public health crisis, the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) started World Diabetes Day in 1991.

What is the symbol and ribbon color for diabetes?

An easy way to show your support for people with diabetes is to wear or display a symbol or ribbon. The diabetes support ribbon is blue, or gray and blue, with a single red drop of blood on it. The international symbol of diabetes is a blue circle.

You may also consider taking a selfie with the International Diabetes Federation’s Blue Circle selfie app. Then, post it on your social media sites. It’s through the advocacy of people — like you — that Diabetes Awareness Month comes to life. It’s about sharing, storytelling, and human connection.

Statistics about diabetes

Globally, 537 million adults were estimated to have diabetes in 2021. This number is expected to rise to about 783 million by 2045. 

Even more concerning is that almost 240 million of these people, or every 1 in 2, do not know they have it. And most of these individuals have Type 2 diabetes, a disease that can be prevented. 

Caring for diabetes comes at an expense. And the personal financial cost can be a huge burden. Even with health insurance, a person may spend about $4,000 to support their yearly diabetes needs. 

And the cost doesn’t just affect individuals. In the U.S., 1 of every 4 healthcare dollars are spent on diabetes care. Diabetes was responsible for $966 billion in health spending in 2021. That’s 9% of the total global spend on healthcare.

Learn more about diabetes

Diabetes is a common, yet serious medical condition. With diabetes, the body doesn’t make enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body balance the energy it gets from food (glucose) with the body’s energy needs. Without insulin, cells can’t get enough glucose, so glucose instead builds up in the blood.

High blood levels of glucose are dangerous. Over long periods of time they damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs. And very high blood glucose levels can cause more immediate harm and even be life-threatening.   

As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes (and some with Type 2 diabetes) need to inject insulin. There are also other medications that can help people with diabetes, including injectable and non-injectable treatments.

Learn the warning signs

Prediabetes — an early form of Type 2 diabetes — affects 1 in every 3 people. 

People with prediabetes usually don’t have any symptoms. But, as diabetes develops and blood sugars increase, you may may notice these symptoms: 

• Frequent urination

• Extreme hunger or thirst

• Fatigue

• Weight loss

• Blurry vision or headaches

The symptoms of diabetes tend to come on slowly over time. But this process can be slowed or even stopped. With early recognition and the right support, it’s possible to prevent Type 2 diabetes. 

Take an online risk assessment

Many people with prediabetes go on to develop Type 2 diabetes. Whether you have prediabetes or diabetes, you have a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and other diabetes complications.

To know if you’re at risk, take this 60-second risk assessment from the American Diabetes Association, or this online survey from the CDC.

A simple blood test can diagnose prediabetes. You can see your healthcare provider or a doctor online through a telehealth visit. They can order blood testing and follow up with you about your results.

Show your support

This Diabetes Awareness Month — and every month — show your support of others living with diabetes and prediabetes.

By learning more about living and eating healthily for diabetes, you can be a resource for others — and support your own wellness, too. While there’s no cure for diabetes, learning about the new treatments available can help you advocate for your friends and family to help them get the best treatments for them.

If you’ve checked out our diabetes and prediabetes resources and you’re still hungry for more,  visit the American Diabetes Association. 

Reach out to your friends with diabetes

Show your support by learning more about diabetes. Then, reach out to friends and family who  are living with diabetes. By checking in, it shows that you care and you’re willing to assist as needed. 

Start by offering support. You can ask if they need help or support with:

• Exercise or diabetes support group companionship

• An appointment “buddy” or transportation to appointments

• Diabetes supplies or trips to the pharmacy

• Groceries, meal sharing, and recipes

Diabetes resources

Visit our comprehensive guides on Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes to learn more about these conditions, related medications, and how to save on treatment.

These organizations also have reliable and simple-to-read resources:

• American Diabetes Association

• JDRF

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• World Health Organization

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Jewels Doskicz, RN, BA

Jewels Doskicz, RN, BA, is an Arizona-based registered nurse with 22 years of hospital-wide clinical nursing experience and 11 years of medical writing and editing experience. She was a former healthcare content creator for a digital health tool at HealthLoop and director of clinical content operations at GetWellNetwork.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

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