Bret Michaels is the "Face of Diabetes" for the American Diabetes Association for their American Diabetes Month.
Ethan Miller / Getty Images Entertainment
This is National Diabetes Month and November 14th is World Diabetes Day. What does this mean for you?
It means great opportunities to take advantage of information, ideas and activities that may improve your life. It also means more chances to take small steps to become involved in the diabetes community and help out in campaigns if you haven't before. You can get involved online as well as events in your local community.
Here are some highlights of what's happening.
National Diabetes Month
President Barack Obama proclaimed November 2010 as National Diabetes Month. The proclamation called for Americans, school systems, government agencies, healthcare providers, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions to join in activities that raise awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is continuing their American Diabetes Month movement called Stop Diabetes, first launched last year. They are offering information, tools and even a video contest. Musician Bret Michaels is helping the ADA spread awareness.
The National Diabetes Education Program is focusing on family health history as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. They are providing information on family health history, gestational diabetes, and how to prevent or delay diabetes. They are also spotlighting people who have worked to prevent or delay diabetes, or who have diabetes but are taking steps to prevent diabetes in future generations.
World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day is November 14. In 1991 the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization introduced the idea of World Diabetes Day due to the disturbing global increase of diabetes. The United Nations marked the day for the first time in 2007. The goal is global awareness. The 2009-2013 theme is diabetes education and prevention.
The Diabetes Hands Foundation (DHF) is continuing their Big Blue Test initiative. People with diabetes are asked to test their blood sugar on November 14, do 14 minutes of activity, test again and share the results on their website. I participated last year and saw a noticeable drop just after 14 minutes of fast walking.
This year the DHF has teamed up with Roche Diabetes Care to raise money to give children with diabetes a week's worth of insulin. Roche underwrote the production of this year's Big Blue Test video and will make a donation every time the video is viewed, up to $75,000. They are aiming for at least 100,000 views. What an easy way to help. Watch and share the video.
All About You
What else can you do? How about making it personal. One of the best ways to make a difference is by being a good example. Commit yourself to learning something new every day this month. Take a new small step every day. Get involved.
If your diabetes is not under the best control, how about making a resolution to improve your control this month. Learn more about diet and exercise. Seek out tips and community.
I look forward to celebrating National Diabetes Month and World Diabetes Day with you!
I have LADA, diabetes type 1.5 for 7 years.
we are not supported by the ADA.
you treat us like we do not exist. thousands of us!
we have a MUCH harder time controlling our blood sugars.
shame on you and HMOs who refuse to even recognise LADA as a legitimate type.
if i exercised for 14 minutes my glucose would be over 500.
so stuff your 14 November diabetes day.
@ Jeanne
Why would your blood glucose levels go up if you exercised for 14 minutes?