November: A Month for Diabetes Awareness and Advocacy
November is upon us, which means it’s Diabetes Awareness Month—a whole 30 days dedicated to raising our voices, sharing our stories, and advocating for a deeper understanding of what living with diabetes really means. Whether you’re Type 1, Type 2, or anywhere else on the spectrum, this is our moment to shine, educate, and connect with the world.
Why November? A Bit of Background
You might be wondering, why November? This month was chosen to align with World Diabetes Day on the 14th, a date that celebrates the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the co-discoverers of insulin. Yep, the man who quite literally changed our lives. It’s a chance to not just reflect on how far we’ve come with diabetes management but also to rally for a future where treatment is more accessible and understanding is the norm.
The Power of the Circle
Now, let’s talk symbols. You might have seen that simple blue circle floating around social media or pinned on shirts at diabetes events. That circle isn’t just any design choice; it’s the globally recognised symbol of diabetes awareness. It represents unity, strength, and the global effort to advocate for better care, research, and education. The circle is blue to mirror the sky, a universal element that unites us all, and it stands for life, health, and inclusion.
At Organising Chaos, we’ve taken the symbolism of the circle and added a twist with our unique flower interpretation. Imagine a delicate yet resilient flower, its petals forming a circle, symbolising both the fragility and the fierce strength of those living with diabetes. It’s a nod to the reality that while living with diabetes isn’t always easy, it can also bloom with moments of hope, empowerment, and community.
How You Can Advocate This Month
Feeling inspired to take part in Diabetes Awareness Month but unsure where to start? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some ideas that’ll not only spread awareness but also give you that warm, fuzzy “I’m making a difference” feeling:
Share Your Story: Whether you’ve been living with diabetes for a decade or were newly diagnosed, your journey is unique. Share your highs and lows (literally) on social media or in conversation.
Wear Blue on November 14th: Join millions around the world in wearing blue on World Diabetes Day. It’s a small but powerful gesture that shows unity and sparks conversations. Bonus points if you rock one of Organising Chaos’ custom blue circle flower pins or other diabetes-themed accessories!
Get Creative: Love painting, drawing, or photography? Create a piece of art featuring the blue circle and share it with your community or enter it in local awareness competitions. Creative works can be a great way to express what diabetes means to you and catch the eye of those who may not know much about it.
Host or Attend an Awareness Event: There’s nothing quite like the sense of camaraderie that comes from attending a diabetes-related event. If there’s nothing local, why not host your own? This could be a casual get-together, an online chat with fellow diabetics, or even a bake sale with blue cupcakes to raise funds for a diabetes charity.
Educate Friends and Family: Advocacy starts close to home. Take some time to explain what diabetes is (and isn’t!) to friends, family, and colleagues. For example, it’s a great time to clear up misconceptions like “you can’t eat sweets” or “diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar.” It’s empowering to own your narrative and help others understand the nuances of your condition.
Support Diabetes-Focused Businesses: From accessories that add a touch of style to your diabetes management to clothing and decor that raise awareness, supporting small businesses like Organising Chaos not only helps spread awareness but also fosters a community that gets it.
Why Advocating Matters
Advocacy isn’t just for others—it’s for us too. Every post, every conversation, and every blue outfit is a step towards better understanding and more inclusive support for all of us living with diabetes. When people see that blue circle or learn about the significance of World Diabetes Day, it opens doors to conversations that can lead to greater compassion, research, and resources.
So, this November, let’s channel our inner warriors. Whether you’re out there sharing your story, rocking blue on the 14th, or simply supporting a fellow diabetic with a knowing nod, you’re making an impact. Remember, the diabetes community is one of the most resilient out there, and this month is all about celebrating that.
Let’s embrace the power of the circle, spread that blue cheer, and show the world what being a Close Diabuddy is all about.
