If you or your child lives with type 1 diabetes (T1D), you know how much it affects daily life. However, the people around you may not know much about the condition, let alone how it influences your daily choices. That’s why raising awareness of type 1 diabetes is important. There’s no better time to do that than during November, the awareness month for all types of diabetes. You can also focus on November 1, known as T1Day, to raise awareness for Breakthrough T1D.

When people don’t understand T1D, it can be hard to explain how it affects you and why you may not eat the same foods as others. Raising awareness allows people outside your circle but also the people close to you to understand your situation better.

1. Understand Type 1 Diabetes Yourself

Before helping others understand what it means to live with type 1 diabetes, make sure you fully understand the condition yourself. If you or your child is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, you may have a diabetes educator who can teach you how to check your blood glucose levels, give insulin, and more.

Some members of myT1Dteam rely on their diabetes educators regularly. One member shared, “I continue to have some highs and lows. I saw the diabetes educator, and she suggested getting a pump.” Another said, “I’m back to finger sticks until my diabetes education nurse gets back to me.”

If you want to learn more on your own, organizations like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) offer many resources that can help you find the information you need. If you’re a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, you can learn what support feels best for both you and your child.

2. Donate to the Cause

Research on type 1 diabetes is ongoing. Many organizations are working hard to treat, prevent, and cure type 1 diabetes. If you choose to donate to the Diabetes Research Connection this month, your donation will be doubled up to $50,000. However, you can also donate to or raise money for any nonprofit organization related to type 1 diabetes, as long as they accept donations.

If you’re busy, your sense of wellness is low, or you’re focused on working with your health care provider to manage type 1 diabetes, donating money is a great way to raise awareness without adding to your tasks. Your contribution can make a big impact with minimal effort.

If you have kids with type 1 diabetes, consider donating books about the condition to their school library or classroom. You could also read one of these books out loud in your child’s classroom. This can help children understand type 1 diabetes from an early age. It may also make life easier for your child if their peers understand what they’re going through.

3. Raise Awareness Around You

Start talking to people around you about type 1 diabetes. This can be as simple as having conversations with friends and family, explaining the condition, and advocating for your needs.

Some people wear blue, the color for Diabetes Awareness Month. If people notice your new color choice, you can explain and share information about the condition.

Others, like one member of myT1Dteam, wear accessories that spark conversations. One member shared, “I just got a pin that says ‘Insulin Should Be Free.’ I’m so proud to wear it, because I hear stories of people dying because they can’t afford insulin, which is disturbing. This pin is slowly turning me into a bit of an activist on this subject!”

Another myT1Dmember took advocacy a step further. He said, “I’m currently involved in diabetes support and education, writing books for children in a way they can understand and feel comfortable with.” Not everyone will have time to write a book, but finding creative ways to spread the word about how type 1 diabetes affects your life is always valuable.

4. Post on Social Media

You can also step out and use social media to share information about type 1 diabetes. Posting on social media is a great way to spread information, share your experiences, and connect with others who have similar backgrounds and stories. You could share your own experience or your child’s journey, or provide resources that you found helpful when you were learning.

5. Give Your Time to a Research Center or Hospital

November is a great time to start volunteering with an organization that supports people living with type 1 diabetes. If you can’t donate money but have time and energy to spare, consider volunteering at a research center that studies type 1 diabetes. There may also be a hospital or diabetes care center where you can volunteer.

If you’re a parent of a child living with type 1 diabetes, consider offering your time to help other parents of newly diagnosed children. You might be able to help them understand important parts of diabetes management, such as blood sugar levels, insulin use, and emergency procedures. You can also connect with their kids by mentioning that Nick Jonas has type 1 diabetes.

6. Attend a Diabetes Awareness Month Event

There are many awareness events for type 1 diabetes throughout November. The American Diabetes Association hosts signature events nationwide, including walks, bike races, online education, cooking classes, and more.

If there aren’t any events near you, reach out to your type 1 diabetes health care team. They may know about local walks and runs. Some of these events require participants to raise a certain amount of money beforehand. That way, you can combine fundraising, physical activity, and awareness-raising.

You can also invite friends and family to these events. That way, they can learn more about type 1 diabetes while providing support and raising awareness alongside the diabetes community.

7. Choose a Type 1 Diabetes Online Meeting Background

If you use Microsoft Outlook or Zoom, you probably know that you can customize your background. Breakthrough T1D has created some backgrounds to raise awareness for type 1 diabetes. You can choose your favorite, download it, and use it during your meetings to spread awareness among your colleagues. Hopefully, it will spark conversations about type 1 diabetes.

Talk With Others Who Understand

At myT1Dteam, you’ll find the social network for people with type 1 diabetes and their loved ones. On myT1Dteam, more than 4,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with type 1 diabetes

How would you like to get involved during Diabetes Awareness Month? Are there any other ways you like to spread awareness and get involved? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.