November is Diabetes Awareness Month, established in 1982 by President Reagan. Throughout diabetic history, many who have the health condition have struggled with representation and living a normal life. So inclusive measures like diabetes awareness month and the American Diabetes Association created in 1940 were formed to help.

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body either can’t produce the insulin it needs, or use the insulin it produces. In your body, after you eat your body breaks down food into glucose which then enters your bloodstream. In response to the glucose, your body releases insulin, which helps the glucose enter your cells to be used for energy.

To support those in your life who have diabetes, during November you can wear the color blue, help share information and awareness of the disease, focus on your own self-care, support those around you, and get screened. Many people who feel “fine” still have the disease. so getting screened is important. Make sure to support those around you and help spread awareness for diabetes.