A few years ago, IDF, International Diabetes Federation, started World Diabetes Day on November 14^th, and a recognized day by the UN.  The significance of November 14^th was that is was the birthday of Frederick Banting, the key scientist who discovered insulin and helped to reproduce it for those of us afflicted with diabetes.  With his action, people with type 1 diabetes no longer lived with a death sentence.

To help develop public outreach for the awareness of diabetes, for both type1 and type2, many companies and governments use the entire month for campaigns.  Campaigns not only bring awareness, but they offer hope.  Hope for a cure, hope for advancements on management.  Hope is a very important to helping motivate, empower and engage patients in their care:

This month is dedicated to all of us living with diabetes; it also encourages the development of community and a sense that we are not alone.  So I would like to share with you some of the events to watch for.  If you have more to share, especially on the local level, please add your comment!! 

• TuDiabetes- Big Blue Test
• Diabetes Social Media Advocacy - Blue Fridays
• ADA- Stop Diabetes
• Love a Flash Mob?  IDF challenges you to join one or create your own!
• Watch for the Blue Monument Challenge (my personal favorite!)