National American Diabetes Month is observed in November in order to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on over 30 million people in America alone. In addition, another 84 million people in the US are at high risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The National Diabetes Education Program’s theme is different every year. This November, the theme is “Managing Diabetes – It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It.”
Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. It can affect many parts of the body and, when not properly managed, may lead to serious health complications. The good news is that understanding your risk and making healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. Glucose is an important source of energy for the body, and insulin helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used for energy.
There are several types of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body stops producing insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need daily insulin to survive.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not use insulin effectively and eventually may not produce enough insulin. More than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes. Genetics, age, weight, physical activity, and other factors can contribute to the development of the condition.
Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and can increase the mother’s and child’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
How Common Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a major health concern in the United States and around the world. About 38 million Americans are living with diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
There are also millions of people with prediabetes, a condition in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
Having prediabetes does not mean that you will definitely develop type 2 diabetes. Making changes to your eating habits, physical activity, and overall lifestyle may help lower your risk or delay the development of type 2 diabetes.
What Increases Your Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
Some people have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Risk factors can include:
- Being overweight or obese
- Being physically inactive
- Having a family history of diabetes
- Being age 35 or older
- Having prediabetes
- Having a history of gestational diabetes
- Having certain racial or ethnic backgrounds associated with increased risk
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop diabetes. However, knowing your risk can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider about screening and prevention.
Can You Prevent Type 2 Diabetes?
You cannot prevent every type of diabetes, but type 2 diabetes can often be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.
If you have prediabetes or other risk factors, even small changes can make a difference. Mayo Clinic recommends several steps that can help lower your risk.
1. Stay Active
Regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar, improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, and support a healthy weight.
You do not have to make major changes all at once. Taking a walk after dinner, getting up regularly during the workday, or finding an activity you enjoy can be a good place to start.
2. Focus on a Balanced Diet
What you eat can play an important role in managing blood sugar and reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes.
A healthy eating pattern can include:
- Non-starchy vegetables
- Fruits
- Beans and legumes
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil
- Water and other unsweetened beverages
For example, replacing sugary drinks with water or choosing whole-grain foods instead of refined carbohydrates can be simple changes that add up over time.
3. Maintain a Healthy Weight
If you are overweight or obese, losing even a modest amount of weight may lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Mayo Clinic notes that losing approximately 5% to 7% of your body weight can help reduce diabetes risk, particularly when combined with regular physical activity and healthier eating habits.
Talk with your healthcare provider about a healthy and realistic weight goal for your individual needs.
4. Know Your Blood Sugar Levels
Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes may not always cause noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages.
Regular health checkups and appropriate blood sugar testing can help identify problems earlier. If you have risk factors for diabetes, talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should be screened.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help prevent or delay complications.
What Happens If Diabetes Isn’t Managed?
Diabetes can affect many parts of the body when blood sugar remains high over time.
Possible complications include:
- Heart disease and stroke
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage
- Vision problems
- Foot problems
- Blood vessel damage
The good news is that diabetes can be treated and managed. Healthy eating, physical activity, medications when prescribed, regular screenings, and working with a healthcare provider can all play a role in managing the condition and reducing the risk of complications.
How Can You Help During National Diabetes Month?
National Diabetes Month is a great opportunity to help spread reliable information about diabetes and encourage the people around you to take their health seriously.
You can help by:
- Share diabetes awareness information on social media, your website, or newsletter.
- Encourage loved ones to know their risk and talk with their healthcare provider about diabetes screening.
- Promote healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and balanced eating.
- Share reliable resources about diabetes prevention and management.
- Support diabetes awareness organizations and community events.
- Encourage people living with diabetes to work with their healthcare team to manage their condition.
Take Action This National Diabetes Month
Diabetes is a serious health condition, but learning about your risk is an important first step.
Whether you are living with diabetes, have been diagnosed with prediabetes, or want to take better care of your health, small and sustainable changes can make a difference.
This National Diabetes Month, take some time to learn about diabetes, understand your risk factors, and talk with your healthcare provider about steps you can take to protect your health.
Got Medicare Questions?
We hope that this information on American Diabetes Month is useful to you. If you want to learn about prevention and staying healthy, read our article Empower Health Through Preventive Care.
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This article was updated on September 10, 2026, by Nora Vargas.
