November is American Diabetes Month! 85 Years of Progress, Hope, and Action

Since 1940, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has been a relentless force for change and fighting for those affected by diabetes through research, advocacy, education, and community. This American Diabetes Month, we reflect on the journey that has transformed lives and continues to inspire progress.

A Legacy of Breakthroughs and Compassion

The Good Fight: It All Matters

Eighty-five years later, the ADA remains at the forefront of the fight to end diabetes. From improving access to care and advocating for equitable treatment, to funding cutting-edge research and building supportive communities—the mission endures.

This American Diabetes Month, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and unity of everyone impacted by diabetes—those who live with it, those who support loved ones, and the healthcare heroes who dedicate their lives to care and research.

Supporting Our Community During Diabetes Awareness Month

For UMBC students and employees who are managing diabetes, whether newly diagnosed or navigating ongoing treatment, please know that Student Disability Services (SDS) is here to support you. Diabetes has a broad global impact and meets the definition of a disability. At times, concerns about managing its flares—especially for individuals with Type 1 diabetes—arise, so we encourage students and staff to seek on-campus resources such as:

If your health needs are affecting your academics or work, we encourage you to register with Student Disability Services (SDS) to explore available accommodations and support options. We're committed to ensuring you have access, understanding, and the resources you need to thrive. 

Get involved and make a difference!

Expanding Awareness Beyond Diabetes

While we honor American Diabetes Month, November also highlights many important causes that intersect with accessibility, inclusion, and health. As we enter a month known for travel, shared meals, and family gatherings, let's make our celebrations more inclusive and disability-friendly with thoughtful approaches to dining and travel.

Inclusive Celebrations and Accessible Cooking

People with disabilities also host fabulous meals and lead the way in accessible cooking:

Want to bring some disability-friendly ideas into kitchens this season? Check out cooking hacks for chefs with disabilities and Fall recipes from The Accessible Chef to inspire your table.

Accessible Travel and Broader Awareness

Travel is also a highlight of this season—so here's a more inclusive list of tips to ease travel hassles for all kinds of disabilities.

And as we raise awareness this month, we also recognize:


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November in the United States highlights travel, sharing meals and connecting with  family and friends, often highlighted with  Thanksgiving.  Make your celebrations more inclusive and disability friendly with these ideas for  a disability-inclusive experience.

People with disabilities also host fabulous meals:
Want to bring some disability-friendly ideas into kitchens this season?  Look over some cooking hacks for chefs with disabilities and check out Fall recipes from The Accessible Chef.

For those heading into shopping for the holidays, Yelp is providing crowd-sourced information about business accessibility - which can be an asset to dining out as well.  It's also helpful to call ahead with any public business for specific details from dietary restrictions and allergies to stair-free navigation to sensory-compatible environments. 

Travel is also a highlight of this season - given the diversity of disability, here is a more inclusive list of tips to ease travel hassles.

November is also about:

Epilepsy Awareness Month  and

COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - Awareness Month 

American Diabetes Awareness Month 

Native American Heritage Awareness Month is also tied to November, and as all racial and ethnic identities intersect with disabilities we note:

Understanding Autism in Indigenous Communities

In this November 15 webinar, the National Autism Coordinator, Dr. Susan Daniels, hosts an illuminating conversation with clinical psychologist and parent, Dr. Crystal Hernandez (Cherokee), advocate Jim Warne (Oglala Lakota [Sioux] Nation), and autistic self-advocate Jules Edwards (Anishinaabe), who will talk about the intersection of their Native American heritage with their professional and lived experiences with autism. The discussion focuses on needs across indigenous communities in the U.S. and recent projects and initiatives to increase outreach and provide resources to help Native Americans with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Enjoy November and the holiday season with all that it celebrates and illuminates!


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Diabetes Awareness Month is celebrated in November, where we call attention to a serious health condition that is no laughing matter with its need for monitoring and management, as well as its intersection with disability and mortality.  November includes World Diabetes Day (November 14th) which was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization to recognize growing concerns about escalating health threats posed by diabetes. In 2006, it was recognized by the UN, and is celebrated on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Diabetes has a wide global reach and fits within the definition of a disability, and sometimes concerns about its flares (especially with Type 1) have graduate and undergraduate students reach out for on-campus resources, such as 

The students with UMBC College Diabetes Network Chapter let us know that their national organization has been renamed to The Diabetes Link, with the tagline: Diabetes does not define you, but does define us, we exist to support and empower you. The students' recommended Diabetes Resources for young adults include:

 

Get more details on the UMBC Diabetes Link chapter by reaching out via this link.
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World Diabetes Day (November 14th) fell on a Sunday - within Diabetes Awareness Month - it was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization to recognize growing concerns about escalating health threats posed by diabetes. In 2006, it was recognized by the UN, and is celebrated on the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922.

Diabetes has a wide global reach and fits within the definition of a disability, and sometimes concerns about its flares have graduate and undergraduate students reach out for on-campus resources, such as 

ADS just heard from students co-creating the UMBC College Diabetes Network Chapter if students are interested in more information email  UMBC@collegediabetesnetwork.org  to get connected. They are sorting out meeting times and will be meeting in the coming weeks.  Another reason to reach out - they have resource sheets for insulin affordability, which is in harmony with the theme "Access to Diabetes Care - If Not Now, When?"

Their recommended Diabetes Resources include:

 

Again, students interested in joining the UMBC chapter should email UMBC@collegediabetesnetwork.org  to get connected.
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