Diabetes Awareness Month 2026

Diabetes Awareness Month

Early Action on Diabetes

November is nationally recognized as diabetes awareness month. It’s a time to raise awareness, share prevention strategies, and inspire preventative action. For some, taking steps towards preventative health can be nerve wracking. While the possibility of having diabetes may be scary, it is important to be aware of how to act before a possibility becomes a reality. Here are some statistics showing just how common diabetes and prediabetes is in our country:

  • Prevalence: Over 40 million Americans, or 12% of the population, are living with diabetes.
    • Over 2 million Americans are living with type 1 diabetes, including about 314,000 children and adolescents
  • Diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes: Of the 40.1 million people living with diabetes, 29.1 million were diagnosed, and 11 million are undiagnosed.
  • Prevalence in Americans 65 and older: The percentage remains high, at 28.8%.
  • New cases: An estimated 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed every year.
  • Prediabetes: Over 115 million Americans age 18 and older are living with prediabetes.

Symptoms to Watch For

The following symptoms of diabetes are typical. However, some people with diabetes have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed.

Common symptoms of diabetes:

  • Urinating often
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Feeling very hungry—even though you are eating
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Blurry vision
  • Cuts/bruises that are slow to heal
  • Weight loss—even though you are eating more (type 1)
  • Tingling, pain, or numbness in the hands/feet (type 2)

If you’re curious about any symptoms check out this quick risk test from the American Diabetes Association:

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test

60-Second Risk Test for Type 2 Diabetes| ADA

How to Make Healthy Eating Choices

Maintaining a healthy diet and making informed food choices are essential to living well. Food fuels the body and is a key part of diabetes management. However, no matter what eating plan you follow, there are some basic guidelines that apply across the board.

What all healthy eating plans have in common:

  • Non-starchy vegetables as a foundation for the plate
  • Lean proteins and plant-based sources of protein
  • Quality carbohydrates like starchy vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat milk
  • Less added sugar
  • Healthy fats • Less processed foods
  • Water or zero-calorie beverages