November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

National Diabetes Awareness Month is in November and is the time for educating and raising awareness and funds for both better treatments and a cure. This year’s focus will be on prediabetes and preventing diabetes. The CDC reports more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults have prediabetes (around 88 million people), and of that number, the majority is unaware they have it. In addition every 21 seconds someone is told they have diabetes.

The American Diabetes Association says the disease causes more deaths than breast cancer and AIDS combined each year and the related health care costs are $327 billion. In November, communities will team up to bring attention to the disease and provide education on how to recognize and prevent the disease. The Association raises awareness and support in several ways including the Tour de Cure and the Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes and other events.

Their site also has lots of ideas of how to “create your own fundraiser.” Some ideas include hosting a trivia or game night, a tea party or dinner, bake sale or yard sale, or a product party. All funds raised will go directly to support research, education, and advocacy for people living with type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.

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