November is National Diabetes Month in the United States. It is a time dedicated to increasing awareness about diabetes, supporting those affected, and educating the public about prevention, management, and complications. This annual observance highlights the pervasiveness of diabetes, an often “invisible” disease that affects millions of Americans yet remains largely stigmatized. Please keep reading to learn more about National Diabetes Month and how you can be proactive in getting testing and treatment.
When Is National Diabetes Month Celebrated?
National Diabetes Month takes place each November and aligns with World Diabetes Day on November 14. The American Diabetes Association and various organizations leverage this time to spread information and engage communities through campaigns, educational programs, and advocacy. By coming together this month, the spotlight is placed on ways to prevent, manage, and treat diabetes.
How Many People In America Have Diabetes?
The numbers are actually quite staggering. The CDC estimates that 38.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes. That is nearly 12 percent of the US population. A further 8.7 million people have undiagnosed diabetes. And keep in mind that these numbers are from 2021. As a disease that is on the rise, the numbers are likely even higher now. Clearly, it is an issue that warrants more than just one month of education and awareness; but National Diabetes Month is a very good place to start for those of us who were previously unaware of the far-reaching impact the disease has.
What Topics Does National Diabetes Month Highlight?
National Diabetes Month covers a wide range of topics, addressing all facets of diabetes management, prevention, and support, including:
- Diabetes Awareness: Raising awareness of the unique challenges and daily management techniques for each type of diabetes.
- Pre-diabetes Education: Offering resources and tools for people at risk to make lifestyle changes and potentially delay or prevent the onset of Type 2 diabetes.
- Healthy Eating and Exercise Tips: Providing actionable advice on diet, physical activity, and lifestyle adjustments that can help manage or prevent diabetes.
- Mental Health and Diabetes: Addressing the emotional and psychological impact of diabetes, as mental health support is very important for many living with this condition.
What Is Diabetes Stigma?
Another important topic touched upon by National Diabetes Month is the ongoing stigma associated with the disease. This stigma refers to the overall negative attitudes, judgments, and misconceptions that people with diabetes often face from others or, in some cases, themselves. This stigma can affect anyone with diabetes, regardless of type, and is largely driven by misunderstandings about the causes, management, and realities of living with the condition.
Key Drivers of Diabetes Stigma
- Misconceptions About Causes: Many people falsely believe that diabetes, especially Type 2 diabetes, is solely caused by poor lifestyle choices, such as an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise. This oversimplified view ignores the complex genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors that contribute to diabetes.
- Misunderstanding Between Types: Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes differ significantly in terms of causes and management. However, because Type 1 diabetes is often mischaracterized as “children’s diabetes” and Type 2 as “adult-onset,” this can lead to incorrect assumptions, such as blaming adults with Type 1 for their condition or failing to recognize the seriousness of Type 2.
- Judgment for Diabetes Management Needs: People with diabetes may need to check their blood sugar, administer insulin, or adjust their food intake. Sometimes, these actions are met with discomfort, intrusive questions, or assumptions that the person with diabetes is somehow to blame for their condition.
- Weight Stigma: Because weight can be a risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes, people with diabetes may experience weight-based discrimination or assumptions that equate weight and health, adding another layer of stigma.
Understanding that diabetes is a complicated disease with many contributing factors, including those beyond the affected individual’s control, is an important step toward long-term solutions.
How Can You Be Supportive During National Diabetes Month?
Support is key for those living with diabetes, and there are numerous ways to show your solidarity:
- Educate Yourself and Others: Use National Diabetes Month as an opportunity to learn more about the types of diabetes, signs, symptoms, and available treatments. Share your knowledge with friends and family to raise awareness. Politely address remarks that are incorrect or perpetuate diabetes stigma.
- Participate in Fundraisers and Events: Many communities hold walks, fundraisers, and educational seminars. By participating, you can help raise funds for research and support local diabetes organizations.
- Advocate for Access to Diabetes Care: Join advocacy groups to work towards affordable access to insulin, glucose monitoring supplies, and other essential medications and services.
- Support Loved Ones: If you know someone with diabetes, offer support, whether by listening, helping them with meal planning, or joining them in physical activities.
What Is The Color For Diabetes Month?
One of the simplest ways to show support during National Diabete Month is to wear a ribbon. The diabetes ribbon is blue (or sometimes blue and gray) with a red drop, symbolizing the skin prick needed to check blood sugar levels.
What Type Of Diabetes Does National Diabetes Month Focus On?
National Diabetes Month focuses on both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as pre-diabetes and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes In Adults (LADA). It is inclusive of the entire diabetes spectrum because each type has different risk factors, symptoms, and treatments. Awareness campaigns make it clear that each form of diabetes comes with distinct challenges and requires different management strategies.
For example:
- Type 1 Diabetes: This autoimmune condition typically emerges in childhood or early adolescence (not always, see below) and requires insulin therapy from the onset. Management focuses on maintaining blood glucose levels within a safe range.
- Type 2 Diabetes: This more common form often develops over time and may be managed through diet, exercise, oral medications, and sometimes insulin.
- Pre-diabetes: A key focus is placed on lifestyle changes to prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes, which can be achieved through healthy habits.
- LADA: Known as “Type 1.5” diabetes, LADA can initially resemble Type 2 diabetes but requires insulin as it progresses. This makes it a latent form of Type 1 diabetes, not type 2.
How Can You Test for Diabetes?
National Diabetes Month encourages individuals to seek out testing if they are experiencing some of the warning signs of Type 1, Type 2, or pre-diabetes. Diabetes testing is straightforward and can be done with several methods:
- A1C Test: This blood test measures average blood sugar levels over the past three months. An A1C of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
- Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): This test measures blood sugar after fasting overnight. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): After fasting, a person drinks a glucose solution, and blood sugar is tested over several hours. It’s often used to diagnose gestational diabetes.
- Random Plasma Glucose Test: This test, done without fasting, can help diagnose diabetes if blood sugar is high.
What Are Some Issues Encountered by Undiagnosed Individuals?
Another important aspect of National Diabetes Awareness Month Diabetes is educating individuals on other health issues that can arise as a direct or indirect result of the disease. Remember that at least 8 million adults are currently undiagnosed. A delay in treatment can lead to severe complications, including:
- Cardiovascular Issues: High blood sugar levels over time can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Prolonged high glucose can cause nerve damage, leading to pain, tingling, and even loss of sensation, particularly in the feet.
- Kidney Damage: Diabetes can impair kidney function, potentially leading to kidney failure if not managed.
- Vision Problems: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to blindness.
- Frequent Infections: High blood sugar levels can weaken the immune system, leading to increased infections.
This is why it is very important to learn about the early signs and symptoms of diabetes so you can start treatment early.
Diabetes Testing In Omaha
National Diabetes Month is a reminder of the importance of understanding, preventing, and managing all forms of diabetes. By learning about the disease, advocating for those affected, and supporting research efforts, we can make a difference in the lives of the millions of affected Americans.
Balanced Body Health & Wellness is a top functional medicine clinic in Omaha. We offer comprehensive diabetes testing, including screening for LADA and pre-diabetes. We will work with you to develop a tailored approach that focuses on your personal wellness goals. Call or go online today to schedule your free 15-minute Discovery Call.
