November is American Diabetes Month®, but it’s not time to
celebrate. Diabetes has become the fastest-growing chronic disease in the world, and it is the most
expensive chronic disease in the U.S. Over 37 million Americans have diabetes and one in five
people don’t even know they have it. Today, diabetes causes more deaths than breast cancer and
AIDS combined. And in November alone, 116,500 Americans will be diagnosed with diabetes, and
sadly, 23,500 Americans will lose their lives to diabetes-related illness.
“Most of us know someone affected by diabetes. At the American Diabetes Association, our mission
is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. This
American Diabetes Month, I encourage everyone to learn more about the risk factors for diabetes and
join us in the fight to end diabetes at diabetes.org/We Fight,” said Charles “Chuck” Henderson, CEO
of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA).
Raising awareness is vital to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic, help people living
with diabetes thrive, and to have a future free of diabetes. To that end, the ADA offers information,
resources, and expertise on a range of themes:
• Diabetes prevention: Across the U.S., about 96 million adults are estimated to have
prediabetes, which means they are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, the most
common type of diabetes. Most of these people don’t know they are at risk, and often there are
no symptoms of prediabetes. The good news is, with early detection and awareness, people
can take steps to prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. Speak with an ADA expert to
learn how people can understand their risk of developing diabetes, how to find out if they have
prediabetes, and actions people can take to prevent diabetes.
“Action is the best medicine for preventing type 2 diabetes. Small lifestyle changes, like making
healthier diet choices and getting more exercise, can lead to big health benefits!” — Kaye Kramer, the
ADA’s vice president for diabetes prevention.
• Nutrition and wellness: From healthy swaps to how to shop at the grocery store, to new
recipes and eating well when dining out, the ADA provides tips, recipes, and information on the
science of how food affects health.
“Being diagnosed with diabetes can be scary. Diabetes affects both your physical and mental health.
It’s important to find the balance that will help you live a healthy life.” — Barbara Eichorst, the ADA’s
vice president of health care programs.
• Diabetes myths: Diabetes can be confusing. Misinformation abounds about the causes,
treatments and lifestyle changes associated with the disease. ADA experts can help clear up
common diabetes myths.
“There is often an unfair negative stigma that places the blame for developing diabetes on poor
personal health choices. The fact is, there are many risk factors for type 2 diabetes — some that can
be influenced by the individual, but also many that are not” — Dr. Robert Gabbay, the ADA’s chief
scientific and medical officer.
• Health equity: More than 133 million Americans are living with diabetes or prediabetes, many
in communities that lack access to equitable health care and resources. The ADA has
launched the Health Equity Bill of Rights to address the social determinants of health that lead
to a higher prevalence of diabetes and worse health outcomes. Connect with the ADA for
information on which communities are disproportionately affected and what ADA is doing to
increase health equity.
“No ZIP Code, race, or background should determine a person’s health outcomes. As health equity
advocates, the ADA is prioritizing community-centric interventions to reduce and eventually eliminate
barriers to equitable health and advance access to quality diabetes care for all.” — Terri Wiggins, the
ADA’s senior vice president of health equity.
• From the frontlines: So far in 2023, the ADA’s Center for Information has helped more than
80,000 people. The ADA is a trusted source for diabetes information and resources, but the
people answering questions at 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383) or [email protected] often
provide emotional support as well. Speak with representatives to hear about a day-in-the-life,
what motivates them, and common concerns they hear from callers.
It takes all of us to tackle this disease, and American Diabetes Month is the perfect time for people to
lend their support for those living with diabetes and to help fund a cure. Starting November 1, learn
more at diabetes.org/WeFight.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization
fighting to bend the curve on the diabetes epidemic and help people living with diabetes thrive.
For 83 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes
while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we
aim to improve the quality of life for the over 133 million Americans living with diabetes or
prediabetes. Diabetes has brought us together. What we do next will make us Connected for Life.
To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-
News Release
2383). Join the fight with us on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook
(Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), Twitter
(@AmDiabetesAssn), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn).
