National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM) is observed every November to bring attention to diabetes and its effects on millions of Americans. As the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, Breakthrough T1D leads the way to educate the public, and we hope the T1D community can help us spread awareness about what it means to live with T1D and raise funds to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. Here are some exciting things to keep an eye out for during this time, resources to help raise awareness, and tips to launch some exciting fundraisers. Be sure to check out this page all month long for updates!

Forward for T1D Breakthroughs: We’re all in this together! The strength of our message hinges on our ability to reach a vast audience. Together, we can raise awareness, foster a sense of community, prioritize better health, and champion research for cures. Type 1 diabetes won’t stop us from moving forward. Visit BreakthroughT1D.org to learn more about how together, we are moving #Forward4T1D and spread the word with our photo filter and hashtags on social media.

Important Dates:

• November 1: T1Day
• November 14: World Diabetes Day
• December 3: Giving Tuesday

Light Up Diabetes: Join our Light Up Diabetes campaign and help raise awareness for World Diabetes Day, marked every year on November 14. Visit the landmarks in your area that will be lit. Check back as more listings join the campaign!

• Maine
  • Memorial Bridge (Portsmouth, NH/Kittery, ME)
  • Portland City Hall (Portland)
• Massachusetts
  • Boston City Hall
  • Boston Harbor Hotel
  • UMass Boston (Boston)
  • Westfield City Hall (Westfield)
• New Hampshire
  • Memorial Bridge (Portsmouth, NH/Kittery, ME)
• Rhode Island
  • Rhode Island State House (Providence)
  • Veterans Memorial Auditorium (Providence)
• Vermont
  • Moran Frame (Burlington)

Share Your Story: Landmarks aren’t the only thing to turn blue this November. Raise awareness in your communities by sharing your T1D story on social media or with a local paper, rally your school or workplace to wear blue for the day, or light your house up with blue lights.  Pro Tip: Add your fundraising link to the bottom of your story. Raise awareness and funds for T1D research!

School Health Team Webinar on 11/14: Members of the school health team and other interested healthcare providers are invited to join us for our educational series, Navigating Type 1 Diabetes: Insights and Strategies for the School Year presented by Lauren Connors, BSN, RN School Nurse, Belmont Day School; Reyna Maher, BSN, RN, School Nurse, Hiawatha Elementary School; and Chris Sheils, MSN, RN, School Nurse, Lynnfield Middle School. Please RSVP by visiting: bit.ly/BreakthroughT1DWebinar11-14.

Breakthrough T1D Night Out: Join Breakthrough T1D and the T1D Community at one of our exciting Breakthrough T1D Night Out this November! Be sure to check back as more events are added.

• Sunday, November 3: Luna Bistro | Salem, NH
  • Dine for Diabetes at Luna Bistro on Sunday, November 3 and 10% of your total will be donated back to Breakthrough T1D.
• Thursday, November 14: 110 Grill | Saugus and Wayland, MA
  • Dine for Diabetes at either 110 Grill location on Thursday, November 14 and 10% of your total will be donated back to Breakthrough T1D. *Must show this flyer to receive donation*
• Monday, November 18: Thirsty Moose Tap House | Various Locations, NH
  • Dine for Diabetes at any Thirsty Moose Tap House location on Monday, November 18 from 4-9 p.m. and 10% of your total will be donated back to Breakthrough T1D.
• Tuesday, November 19: Chelo’s Bar & Grille | Smithfield, RI
  • Dine for Diabetes at Chelo’s Bar & Grille on Tuesday, November 19 and up to 20% of your total will be donated back to Breakthrough T1D. *Must show this flyer to receive donation*

NDAM Awareness Challenge: NDAM is more than just a month on the calendar; it’s a heartfelt reminder of the urgency and importance of our work. It’s a chance for us to unite our voices and share the stories that often go unheard – stories of resilience, hope, and the daily struggles faced by our community. Let’s take this moment to advocate passionately for those who need our support the most, and to ensure that no one faces T1D alone by participating in our Awareness Challenge.

1. Purchase a Diabetes Awareness Month Blue Ribbon Yard Flag from Amazon.com.
2. Either share a photo of it on your social media platforms and be sure to tag Breakthrough T1D (@BreakthroughT1DGNE) during the month of November. Be sure to follow us first!
3. Or forward your image directly to Holly Maloney to share at HMaloney@BreakthroughT1D.org.

State Proclamation: Greater New England Governors have always been great supporters of the T1D community by signing proclamations for National Diabetes Awareness Month. Ask your local Governor or Mayor today! We will post the official proclamations here to share with the greater community.

Awareness Starts with Education: Local libraries are helping to educate and spread awareness by putting up displays this month. Visit these local libraries to check out their NDAM displays and ask your local library to put one up too!

• Brookline Library | Brookline, MA
• Concord Public Library | Concord, NH
• Lincoln Public Library | Lincoln, RI
• Marlborough Public Library | Marlborough, MA
• Pawtucket Public Library | Pawtucket, RI
• Warwick Public Library | Warwick, RI
• Weaver Public Library | East Providence, RI

Breakthrough T1D Virtual Summit: Breakthrough T1D’s Virtual Summit continues on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 for Holiday Nutrition.

Rhode Island World Diabetes Day: This year, Rhode Islanders will celebrate on Tuesday, November 12 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. Join this free event full of helpful, eye-opening, and inspirational presentations, discussions, and Q&A sessions. Learn more about this event at riwdd.org.