Diabetes Awareness Month – the awareness month that takes place during the entire of November, starts today.
The awareness campaign has taken place annually since 1975, when it was founded by the American Diabetes Association.
While popular across the pond, Diabetes Awareness Month has gained popularity over the last few years.
- #EmpoweredTogether – people with diabetes embrace Diabetes Awareness Month
- 5 things you didn’t know about Frederick Banting (or maybe you did?)
Diabetes Awareness Month is used to bring awareness to the condition of diabetes and fundraise towards research in diabetes.
Diabetes is an umbrella term given to a number of different ‘types’ of diabetes which all ultimately cause higher than normal blood sugar levels, which if left untreated for too long, can cause problems.
- Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is resistant to the insulin it produces, or cannot produce enough of it.
- Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is similar to type 2 diabetes.
The month’s most popular event is World Diabetes Day.
World Diabetes Day takes place each year on November 14 to remember the birthday of the co-discoverer of insulin, Frederick Banting.
Both 2021 and 2022 are special years in diabetes:
- 2021 marks the 100th year anniversary since the discovery of insulin
- 2022 marks the 100th year anniversary of the first-ever insulin injection into a human
Many organisations celebrate World Diabetes Day, including the JDRF, Diabetes UK, Diabetes.co.uk, and others. The Low Carb Program, a digital app which is used to treat prediabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes was launched on World Diabetes Day in 2015.
The theme for World Diabetes Day changes each year, while Diabetes Awareness Month is focused on diabetes in general.
World Diabetes Day uses a symbolic logo of a blue circle.
In the UK, Diabetes Week runs each year to raise awareness of diabetes and raise funds for Diabetes UK, although this takes place in June.
How to get involved in Diabetes Awareness Month:
- Post an image or video on social media using hashtag #DiabetesAwarenessMonth or #DAM2022. You can do this on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram… everywhere!
- Start a conversation or share your experiences with somebody on the Diabetes Forum.
- Ask a colleague or loved one who has diabetes how it affects them and how you might be able to support them.
- If you think you may have diabetes, get tested.
- Wear blue and empower those who ask you with knowledge about diabetes and how it can affect people.
