November Is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Every November, we take time to raise awareness about diabetes—one of the fastest-growing chronic conditions in the U.S. and around the world. Type 2 diabetes now affects more than 38 million Americans, and about 98 million adults are living with prediabetes—many without even knowing it.

Why This Month Matters

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Studies show that with small, steady lifestyle changes—like eating balanced meals, being active, and reducing stress—the risk of developing diabetes can drop by up to 80 percent. This month is about knowing your numbers, getting screened, and taking action early.

The Growing Risk

• Prediabetes: about 1 in 3 U.S. adults have it.
• Children and teens: once rare, type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly in youth because of higher rates of obesity and lower activity levels.
• Deaths: more than 100,000 people die each year from diabetes-related causes.
• Cost: diabetes costs the U.S. over $400 billion annually in medical bills and lost workdays.

Once considered an adult disease, type 2 diabetes is now appearing in children and teens at alarming rates — a reflection of rising childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles. Thirty years ago, these cases were rare. Today, they’re increasing every year.

🩸 Know Your Numbers: A1C and Glucose Matter

Your annual physical isn’t complete without checking your blood sugar levels. Millions of Americans have prediabetes or diabetes and don’t know it—often because these tests were never ordered.

There are two main ways to screen for high blood sugar:

• A1C Test: This measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months.
  • Normal: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7%–6.4%
  • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
• Fasting Glucose Test: This measures your blood sugar at one moment in time, usually after not eating for 8–12 hours.
  • Normal: Below 100 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher

Ask your provider to include both of these tests at your next physical — especially if you have risk factors such as being over 45, overweight, sedentary, or having a family history of diabetes.

➡️ Tip: Knowing your A1C and glucose levels every year helps you track changes early — before diabetes develops. With the right lifestyle changes, type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented in up to 80% of cases.

Quick Self-Check: Are You at Risk?

You may have prediabetes or be at high risk if you:

• Are 45 or older
• Have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes
• Carry extra weight, especially around the waist
• Had gestational diabetes or delivered a baby over 9 lbs
• Are not physically active at least 150 minutes per week
• Have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol

If you checked two or more boxes, you may qualify for a Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).

Final Thought

The best time to prevent diabetes is before it starts. Share this article, encourage a friend to take the quiz, and let’s make November a month of awareness, action, and hope.