Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a chronic, autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in a near-total inability to produce insulin, a hormone required to regulate blood sugar levels. Managing T1D requires lifelong, 24/7 attention, including administering external insulin through multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. Awareness campaigns educate the public about this often-misunderstood condition and advocate for the community living with it.
The Official Timing and Significance
Type 1 Diabetes Awareness Month is observed every year throughout November. This timing coincides with World Diabetes Day (WDD), which is recognized on November 14th. This date marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, co-discovered insulin in 1921.
The awareness campaign uses the color blue and the blue circle as its universal symbol. The blue circle was adopted by the United Nations in 2006 as the international symbol for diabetes, representing global unity in the fight against the condition. Organizations worldwide use this unifying symbol and color to light up buildings and promote advocacy efforts throughout the month.
Core Messaging and Education Goals
A primary goal of the awareness month is promoting early and accurate diagnosis, which is important for patient outcomes. Up to 40% of new T1D diagnoses in children and adults are complicated by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body lacks insulin to process glucose. Educating the public about common symptoms, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss, can help prevent DKA at the time of diagnosis.
Awareness campaigns also highlight the need for ongoing research into prevention and a cure. Funding for programs like the Special Diabetes Program (SDP) is advocated for, as this research has been instrumental in developing modern technologies like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and artificial pancreas systems. These technological advancements improve daily management but do not eliminate the disease’s burden.
The third focus is on addressing the substantial financial and emotional burden of managing T1D. The condition requires expensive supplies, including insulin, pumps, and testing materials, which contributes to a high lifetime economic cost for individuals with T1D. Advocacy efforts frequently target improving access to affordable insulin and advanced diabetes technology for all patients.
How to Get Involved
The public can get involved in T1D Awareness Month through several tangible actions. Supporting major T1D organizations, such as Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), through donations or participating in fundraising events contributes directly to research funding. These groups accelerate breakthroughs that treat, prevent, and ultimately cure the disease.
Specific Actions
- Share personal stories on social media using designated hashtags like #T1DAwarenessMonth to raise understanding and empathy.
- Contact elected officials to support policy changes aimed at ensuring insulin affordability and access to new therapies.
- Volunteer time at local diabetes centers or hospitals to provide direct support.
- Wear blue on November 14th or throughout the month to spark conversations.
- Donate T1D-focused books to school libraries to foster a more inclusive environment for children with the condition.
Differentiating Type 1 and General Diabetes Awareness
November is broadly recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month, encompassing Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. While the overall campaign shares the blue circle symbol, specific messaging differentiates the types to prevent confusion. Type 1 Diabetes awareness focuses on its nature as an autoimmune disease, emphasizing that it is not caused by diet or lifestyle factors and is not currently preventable. The messaging for Type 2 Diabetes, in contrast, frequently highlights prevention and management through lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. Maintaining this distinction is necessary because misunderstanding T1D as a lifestyle disease can lead to stigma and a delay in proper diagnosis.