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- Health
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- AwarenessDiseases
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- United States
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- Every November
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National Diabetes Month dedicates the entire month of November to raising critical awareness about the disease. Discover risk factors, symptoms, and management strategies, and connect with resources to support a healthier life.
Want to sponsor National Diabetes Month? Learn how
Expected National Diabetes Month Deals
National Diabetes Month focuses on education, advocacy, and fundraising rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the American Diabetes Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) lead campaigns to fund research, provide support, and advocate for better care. Many corporations, including pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, partner with these nonprofits through donation matching programs, educational initiatives, and sponsored events. Retailers like Walmart and CVS Health often promote health screenings and offer discounts on diabetes-friendly products or monitoring supplies throughout November. Look for local health clinics and community centers to host free screenings and informational sessions. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as November approaches.
Platform Guide for National Diabetes Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalDiabetesMonth. Share personal stories, healthy recipes, or educational infographics to raise awareness.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalDiabetesMonth. Join conversations around diabetes research, policy, and advocacy efforts.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDiabetesMonth. Share community events, support group information, and educational resources.
National Diabetes Month Hero
Frederick Banting
National Diabetes Month timeline
Kentucky became the first state in the nation to legislate diabetes policy and assess resources for affected communities with the Diabetes Action Plan.
A San Antonio court of appeals ruled that employment bans against people suffering from diabetes is discriminatory and unlawful.
Scientists discovered the genetic basis of obesity through a breakthrough study using mice.
President Reagan designated Diabetes Awareness Month for the first time.
Color-coded blood glucose strips became a new way of testing blood sugar levels in hospitals — and later, in the homes of people with diabetes.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Diabetes Month
Local businesses can play a vital role in National Diabetes Month by promoting health and wellness. Restaurants can feature diabetes-friendly menu items with nutritional information, while grocery stores can highlight healthy food choices and offer discounts on produce. Pharmacies and health clinics can host free blood sugar screenings and provide educational materials on risk factors and prevention. Companies can also organize workplace wellness challenges or partner with local diabetes organizations for fundraising events, demonstrating a commitment to community health.
National Diabetes Month FAQs
When is National Diabetes Month?
National Diabetes Month 2026 runs throughout November, from Sunday, November 1 to Monday, November 30. It’s an important time to focus on prevention, early detection, and effective management of diabetes.
How many people are affected by diabetes in the U.S.?
According to the CDC, approximately 38.4 million Americans, or about 11.6% of the U.S. population, have diabetes. A significant portion of these individuals, about 8.7 million, remain undiagnosed.
What are the main types of diabetes?
The main types are Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin, while Type 2 is characterized by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, often linked to lifestyle.
What is the significance of the blue circle for diabetes awareness?
The blue circle is the universal symbol for diabetes awareness, adopted by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It represents the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic.
How to Observe National Diabetes Month
Commit to a healthier lifestyle
Discover ways that you can live a little healthier by reviewing your habits. Are you getting enough sleep? Fatigue can cause a resistance to the insulin your body needs — and daytime tiredness can stop you from getting some life-saving exercise. Drink more water because dehydration keeps your body from functioning well. Be adventurous and add some new veggies and fruits to your diet to help keep those hunger pangs at bay.
Assemble a "sick day" kit
It pays to be ready for those days when your diabetes or some other illness gets you down. With a "sick day" kit, you'll be prepared in case you need to stay home and recuperate or head out to see your doctor. Some of the items in your kit may include blood glucose monitoring supplies, ketone test strips, glucose tablets or gel, a thermometer, hand sanitizer, an alarm clock or timer to stay on top of your glucose levels, and soft tissues. It's your list so tailor it for your needs.
Create a small cookbook
There are restrictions on what people with diabetes can eat. But that shouldn't stop you from enjoying tasty treats. Scour special cookbooks and websites designed for diabetics and experiment with recipes. Choose from delicious ice cream cakes using light sugar, reduced-fat whipped toppings, sugar-free hot fudge sauce, or low-cal casserole because you don't have to suffer with less flavor because of diabetes.
Five Sobering Diabetes Facts
Ancient Egyptians knew about it
An Egyptian manuscript dating around 1500 BC was one of the first documents in history describing diabetes as a disease.
India at risk
The vast majority of people in the world with diabetes reside in India.
It is debilitating
The leading cause of blindness, amputations, and kidney failure is diabetes.
It can hurt your heart
People with diabetes have a double risk of developing heart disease over those who don't suffer from it.
It's costly
If you factor in the costs for medical expenses and reduced productivity, diabetes costs over $245 billion each year.
Why National Diabetes Month is Important
There are two main conditions
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body can't produce insulin, a hormone in the pancreas that breaks down carbohydrates into blood sugar or glucose, for energy. Insulin therapy helps the pancreas to function normally. Many children suffer from Type 1 diabetes although it can affect people of any age or background. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the disease where the body is unable to process our internal insulin well enough to keep blood sugar at normal levels.
Know your risk factors
You may be predisposed to Type 2 diabetes if you are overweight, older than 45, your parent had Type 2 diabetes, you barely exercise each week, and you have been diagnosed with prediabetes. Losing weight is a key preventive measure. With a 10-14 pound weight loss, you can improve your chances of avoiding or even beating diabetes. Try to exercise about 30 minutes a day, five times per week.
This year's theme is gestational diabetes
National Diabetes Month is focusing on gestational diabetes. This occurs to women who develop diabetes during pregnancy. Once a woman is diagnosed with this form of diabetes in pregnancy, she risks developing diabetes at some point later in her lifetime. You may also have a lifelong risk of diabetes if you give birth to a baby weighing over nine pounds.
National Diabetes Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | November 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | November 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | November 1 | Friday |
Social Media Tips for National Diabetes Month
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