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November - 💙 World Diabetes Day & Awareness

Posted Date: 11/01/26 (12:00 PM)
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Health Careers Community Connection Bridging Classroom and Community

November 2026 by Arianna Lerio Singarella & Angelique Ibanez

World Diabetes Day and Awareness

Image of 2 students checking blood sugar
 
A glowing neon sign on a dark brick wall displays the text "DID YOU KNOW" with a megaphone icon.

DID YOU KNOW? —

Diabetes has been studied for over 3500 years! The earliest known reference to the condition is found in ancient Egyptian times. With research there have been many advancements in treatment, prevention and education about lifestyle changes.  
Everyone’s invited to save the future of our health! This year for November lets make it so you change the world for the better.  
Involve yourself in the movement!
A healthcare worker in blue gloves holds a blood glucose meter displaying a reading of 98 mg/dL while testing a patient's finger.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that mainly targets your body’s glucose and insulin. 
Different types:
  • Type 1: Your body makes little to no insulin. Your immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas. 
  • Type 2: Your cells don’t use insulin properly.
  • Gestational (GD): During pregnancy the hormones to grow a baby also stop the hormones that make insulin. If you have GD with one pregnancy, you will most likely have it again with other pregnancies. 
Who’s at risk? 
  • Type 1: Anyone can have type 1, genetics, and during growth periods are common risk factors. 
  • Type 2: Overweight and genetics are huge risk factors
  • Gestational Being overweight, having a geriatric pregnancy, and PCOS
 
A red distressed stamp with a scalloped edge features the word "FALSE" in capital letters.

MYTHS

  • All diabetics cause this disease themselves
  • Only a small portion of people are affected by this
  • You can never eat sugary things again
  • You have to be old or overweight to get diabetes
  • Everyone needs insulin shots
  • "I can’t get it if it doesn't run in my family"
  • "I can’t exercise with my diabetes"
  • "I can stop taking my meds when my blood sugar is okay"
  • "My blood sugar is only borderline diabetic, so I don’t need to worry"
A round green grunge stamp with the word TRUE and a matching banner across it.

FACTS

  • Diabetes can be genetic, autoimmune issues, and metabolic issues
  • 40 million, or 12% of people in the USA, have a form of diabetes
  • 95,000 people die from it; it is the 7th leading cause of death in the ADA
  • In moderation, sugar can be beneficial and regulate carbohydrate intake
  • Pregnancy and genetics also cause diabetes
  • Lifestyles are a major cause of diabetes, even without genetic predisposition
 
A WebMD infographic titled 'What Diabetes Can Do to Your Body,' illustrating health conditions associated with diabetes using body part icons.

WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?

If you don't get a handle on it, you could set yourself up for many complications. Diabetes can take a toll on nearly every organ in your body, including your:
  • Heart and blood vessels
  • Loss of vision
  • Attacks your kidneys
  • Nerve damage called neuropathy
  • Gum disease and tooth loss
  • Affects your body's ability to fight infection
An infographic titled Six Ways To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes by the Cleveland Clinic.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

  1. Eat balanced meals. Cook with your family to help regulate your diet and theirs. 
  2. Join school sports to help regulate your physical health 
  3. Eat sugary snacks in moderation (try fruit and vegetable substitutions) 
  4. Stay hydrated; although it is basic, it is very important 
  5. Have a schedule for checking blood sugar: when you go to bed and before you eat
  6. Manage your stress; Stress can impact your blood sugar levels immensely 

GET INVOLVED

Every person deserves a life without disease and sickness. If you are not worried about yourself just yet, think about your aging family. Diabetes doesn’t have to be feared. Together, let’s spread the word and the intiative to save our friends, family, and even yourself from falling into the unfortunate area of disease. 
A heart-shaped wooden bowl filled with fresh fruits and vegetables sits next to a blood sugar tracker chart, lancet, meter, and a stethoscope.
 
A graphic design for World Diabetes Day featuring a blue awareness ribbon and a red water drop on a white background.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

November 14th is World Diabetes Day. The month of November has been named Diabetes Awareness Month. Associations like the ADA, MAD, and the CDC all have fundraisers and speeches for the better health of the diabetic community. 
RI Community Learning Series
  • Virtual lessons for education, 1 hour long
  • Focuses on teaching prevention, precautions, diet, device use & medication
  • Check out the learning series available in RI. Click the banner below.
RI Community Learning Series