In November, I take time to share, educate, and reflect during Diabetes Awareness Month. It’s a month filled with stories, advocacy, and reminders that diabetes is so much more than numbers, devices, or routines. It’s a daily reality for millions of families around the world. But within this month, there is one day that carries extraordinary meaning: World Diabetes Day, observed every year on November 14th. While the entire month focuses on awareness, support, and education, this single day shines a global spotlight on the history and humanity behind diabetes.
World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14th to honor the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the scientists responsible for the discovery of insulin in 1921. His work changed the course of medical history forever. Before insulin, a diabetes diagnosis, particularly Type 1, was tragically a death sentence. The only treatment available was severe food restriction, and even that provided only limited time. Families could do little but hope and watch as their loved ones grew weaker. It’s a heartbreaking part of history, but it’s also a powerful reminder that insulin is not optional, it is life-sustaining and the reason people with diabetes are alive today. Because of Banting and his team’s discovery, children and adults with diabetes around the world now have the chance to live full, beautiful, meaningful lives.
Although Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day fall within the same month, they each serve different and important purposes. Diabetes Awareness Month is a dedicated time for educating the public, breaking myths, highlighting the daily realities of diabetes, supporting families and caregivers, and sharing personal stories. It’s a broad, ongoing, and deeply personal effort. World Diabetes Day, on the other hand, focuses on honoring the discovery of insulin, bringing global attention to the diabetes community, and advocating for worldwide access to care, technology, and insulin. It is a day of reflection, gratitude, and unity, recognizing both the progress made and the challenges that remain.
When Kay was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, our world shifted in an instant. Daily life quickly became filled with carb counting, blood sugar checks, ketone tests, and sleepless nights. These are things many families before us had to navigate without the support or technology available today. Even on the toughest days, we never lose sight of how fortunate we are to have access to insulin, pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and education. These tools allow Kay not just to survive, but to truly thrive. World Diabetes Day reminds us that none of this was possible just a century ago. Children like Kay didn’t get the chance at long, happy lives, and knowing that makes us even more grateful and even more committed to raising awareness.
I share our story because awareness can save lives. Early recognition of symptoms can change outcomes. Families need community and support. Advocacy pushes for better access to insulin and technology. Greater understanding helps reduce stigma and misconceptions. And above all, I share for Kay, and for every child and adult navigating life with diabetes.
On November 14th, we honor the past and look toward the future. We celebrate the life-saving discovery of insulin and continue to call for education, support, and access for every person living with diabetes around the world. Awareness doesn’t end in November, and every person with diabetes deserves a future filled with possibility.