It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month in November and a great opportunity to further educate people about this condition. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) approximately 700,000 Missourians are living with diabetes, which is ~13.2% of adults.1 There are also about 152,000 adults that are unaware they have diabetes.1 Diabetes is a global epidemic and November 14th marks World Diabetes Day. This day was chosen because it happens to be the birthday of the man who co-discovered insulin, Frederick Banting, in 1922 along with Charles Best.
In the pursuit of finding a calendar of events in Missouri, I did a google search that led me to the following link;https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/chronic/chronicdisease/CalendarNov.pdf.
There are several great suggestions for activities and resources to help have a successful Diabetes Awareness Month. The Blue circle is also a global symbol for diabetes and part of the effort to raise awareness, and bring attention to the general public.
Let us know of any activities you’re hosting or resources you feel would be beneficial to share as educators.
Thanks and Happy Diabetes Awareness Month!