November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to learn about diabetes and how it affects people in Indiana and around the world. This year, World Diabetes Day is on November 14, with the theme “Access to Diabetes Care.” This means making sure that everyone who has diabetes can get the medicine, information, and help they need. In Indiana, where over 750,000 people live with diabetes, this is especially important.

What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a health condition that happens when your body can’t properly control the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. There are two main types:

• Type 1 diabetes: Usually starts when people are young. It means your body doesn’t make insulin, so you need to take it every day.
• Type 2 diabetes: This is the most common type and usually starts in adults. It can happen if you don’t eat healthy or stay active. Sometimes it can be managed with better food choices, exercise, and medicine.

Many people in Indiana are also at risk for prediabetes, which means they could get Type 2 diabetes if they don’t make healthy changes.

World Diabetes Day 2024: Access to Diabetes Care
The theme for World Diabetes Day this year is about making sure everyone has access to the care they need. This includes:

• Access to insulin: Insulin is a medicine that people with Type 1 diabetes need to live. Some people struggle to afford it.
• Access to information and support: Knowing how to live a healthy life and manage diabetes is important.
• Access to screenings: Getting tested for diabetes early can help stop serious health problems later.

Why Diabetes Is a Big Issue in Indiana
Indiana has a higher rate of diabetes than many other states. Some of the challenges include:

• Rural areas: People living in small towns and rural areas may have a hard time getting to doctors or health centers.
• High obesity rates: Nearly 35% of Indiana adults are obese, which greatly increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
• Economic barriers: Many people can’t afford the healthy food or medicine they need to manage or prevent diabetes.

During Diabetes Awareness Month 2024, we want to focus on helping everyone get the care they need. Many people in Indiana still face challenges with access to medicine, healthy food, and doctors. But by working together and spreading awareness, we can help make Indiana a healthier place for everyone.

Resources and Help Available in Indiana
Indiana is working to help people with diabetes through different programs and services. Here are a few ways you can get support:

1. Free or Low-Cost Screenings:  Many clinics and hospitals across the state offer free or low-cost diabetes screenings during November. Getting tested early can help you avoid complications.
2. Diabetes Prevention Programs (DPP):  Local hospitals and health clinics offer programs to help people avoid getting Type 2 diabetes by making healthy lifestyle changes.
3. Access to Healthy Food:  Programs like Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana are helping people get fresh fruits and vegetables, which are key to preventing and managing diabetes.
4. Mobile Health Units:  Mobile clinics are bringing health screenings and care to rural areas where it’s harder for people to get to a doctor.
5. Purdue Extension Classes:  In many communities Purdue Extension offers free Dining with Diabetes classes to help people learn how to prevent and manage diabetes through food and nutrition.

How You Can Get Involved
Here are some ways you can participate in Diabetes Awareness Month and World Diabetes Day:

• Get screened: Find a local health clinic or event offering free diabetes tests for you and/or your family.
• Share resources: Post information about diabetes on social media using hashtags like #WDD2024 and #DiabetesAwarenessMonth. You can also find posters and videos to share on the World Diabetes Day website.
• Attend local events: Walks, health fairs, and fundraisers are happening throughout Indiana during November.
• Speak up: Talk to local leaders about making diabetes care more affordable for everyone, especially in rural areas.
• Make healthy changes: Start small by eating more fruits and vegetables or being more active. Little changes can make a big difference in lowering your risk for diabetes.

Resources to Share
• World Diabetes Day Resources
• American Diabetes Association – Indiana Chapter
• Indiana Department of Health – Diabetes
• Cardiovascular and Diabetes Coalition of Indiana (CADI) Resources