American Diabetes Month

There are “many faces of diabetes.” Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States are living with diabetes, and another 54 million people are at-risk. But those aren’t the only faces affected by diabetes. If you are a parent or loved one caring for someone with diabetes, your face is in the picture too.

Every week throughout November’s American Diabetes Month, the American Diabetes Association will focus on a different “face” of diabetes.

Caregivers – Week 1

Supporting a loved one with diabetes can present its own unique challenges.

If you or someone you care for has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you are no doubt experiencing a range of emotions. There are resources to help the newly diagnosed people. When your child is diagnosed with diabetes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information you're given. Find resources to get the information you need.

Employees – Week 2

Promoting healthy lifestyles in the workplace can help to prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, saving companies thousands of dollars a year.

With employees spending more than one-third of their day on the job, corporate America is in a unique position to bring even greater attention to this public health issue…and to be part of the solution. Show your support in the fight against diabetes at work. Find out more about I Decide to Fight Diabetes.

Diabetes around the world – Week 3

Worldwide over 246 million people have diabetes. By 2020, that number is expected to rise to 380 million.

In December 2006, the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) passed a landmark Resolution recognizing diabetes as a chronic, debilitating and costly disease. The Resolution designates World Diabetes Day as a United Nations Day to be observed every year on November 14 starting in 2007. The ADA is a proud supporter of the UN Resolution.

Show your support and purchase unite for diabetes pins here. Purchases are through the International Diabetes Federation and prices are in Euros.

At-risk populations – Week 4

One in two minorities born in 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime if current trends continue.

Compared to the general population, African Americans are disproportionately affected by diabetes. For example, one in four African American women over 55 years of age has diabetes. Approximately 2.5 million Hispanic/Latino Americans over the age of 20 have diabetes and are at increased risk for serious complications such as kidney disease, blindness, and amputations. At 17%, American Indians and Alaska Natives have the highest age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes among all U.S. racial and ethnic groups. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders with diabetes are at high risk for heart disease.

Youth and Type 1 Diabetes – Week 5

Youth with type 1 diabetes have the most urgent need for care.

One in 400 children has type 1 diabetes. Here is information they can use. Coming Soon – Explore! Discover! Connect! The New Planet D launches in November.

These are just some of the many faces of diabetes. There are also many others.

Local Supporters
Every year, thousands of people participate in American Diabetes Association events and fundraisers to increase awareness of diabetes and raise needed funds. Find out what’s happening in your area.

Volunteers
Become involved in the fight against diabetes. Register to volunteer with the ADA.

Corporate Friends
Corporate support helps to forward the ADA’s mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Find out how.