World Diabetes Day is November 14

November is diabetes month and this Saturday, November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The purpose of marking both a month and day each year is to raise awareness of diabetes in the general public. Despite the fact that nearly everyone has heard of diabetes, few understand the condition well. Unfortunately, this includes a significant number who have been diagnosed with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Here are just a few facts about diabetes from the American Diabetes Association that may help raise your awareness of how serious a condition it is:

• Approximately 23.6 million children and adults in the U.S. have diabetes. That represents almost 8% of the population.
• About one in every 400-600 children and adolescents has type 1 diabetes.
• Total cost of treating those diagnosed with diabetes is estimated at $176 billion each year.

Heightened awareness should not scare us but lead to action. For those with diabetes, this means practicing good glucose management. For health care professionals it means increased efforts at education. For lawmakers it means more funding for research and better healthcare options for those with diabetes.

What is your action point for better managing your diabetes? Post your comments below or post them in the type 1 discussion forum at the link below.