Kickoff Diabetes Awareness Month 2025 with Michael Donohoe

🌍 Hello everyone, and welcome to Diabetes Awareness Month 2025!

This November, people around the world are joining together to shine a light on diabetes — a condition that touches millions of lives every day.

I’m Michael Donohoe, a global diabetes advocate, and I live with Type 2 diabetes myself. I know what it’s like to face the challenges of this condition, including complications and surgeries, but I also know how powerful the community can be.

This month isn’t just about awareness — it’s about connection, understanding, and action.

Let’s wear blue and take real steps toward a healthier future for everyone.

💙 What Is Diabetes and Why It Matters

Diabetes happens when the body can’t make or use insulin properly, leading to high blood sugar levels.
In the U.S. alone, more than 38 million people have diabetes — and millions more don’t even know it. Worldwide, that number reaches nearly 600 million adults, and it’s expected to keep rising.

Most people have Type 2 diabetes, often linked to low physical activity and unhealthy diets. Without proper care, diabetes can cause heart disease, vision loss, kidney problems, and more.

The good news is that early detection, healthy eating, and regular exercise can help prevent or manage diabetes. That’s why awareness and education are so important.

🔵 The Power of the Blue Circle

The blue circle is the global symbol of diabetes awareness.
Created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2006, it stands for unity, health, and life.

Blue represents the sky that connects all nations — reminding us that diabetes is a global issue needing a global response.

Every November 14, people around the world wear blue for World Diabetes Day. Whether it’s a ribbon, a pin, or your favorite shirt — it’s a simple but powerful way to show support.

🌐 Who’s Leading the Fight Against Diabetes

Here are organizations working year-round to support, educate, and fund diabetes research:

International Diabetes Federation (IDF) – Unites 240+ diabetes organizations in 160 countries. Leads World Diabetes Day and global education campaigns.
American Diabetes Association (ADA) – Focuses on awareness, research, and advocacy in the U.S. and publishes the annual Standards of Care in Diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Runs the National Diabetes Prevention Program and public campaigns like Do I Have Prediabetes?
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NIDDK – Fund major diabetes research and public health education programs worldwide.

🤝 How You Can Help This November

You don’t need to be a doctor to make a difference! Here are easy ways to get involved:

Wear Blue – Every Friday in November or on World Diabetes Day (Nov 14).
Share Your Story – Use hashtags like #WDD, #DiabetesAwarenessMonth, #DiabetesLife, and #UniteInBlue.
Educate Others – Learn about diabetes and share trusted info from the ADA, CDC, or IDF.
Join Local Events – Participate in walks, bike rides, and health fairs to raise awareness and support local causes.
Encourage Screenings – Remind loved ones to get tested. Early detection saves lives.

💬 My Story and Commitment

I’m not just an advocate — I’m someone who lives with Type 2 diabetes and multiple diabetes caused cardiovascular conditions, including surgeries.

This personal journey has taught me the importance of compassion, education, and community support. This is why I started Donohoe Diabetes, my personal advocacy, which this blog is a part of, and Diabetes QoL, focusing on providing support through program creation and delivery.

Please note that I am available to speak, join a panel, and create and deliver awareness and educational programs. Just reach out.

Through my work with the International Diabetes Federation’s Blue Circle Voices, the American Diabetes Association’s Focus on Diabetes program (completed in 2023), and Lions Clubs International Diabetes Awareness & Action as the Finger Lakes District Chair, I strive to amplify the voices of people living with diabetes, those who join me in action, and those who are suffering to the point of succumbing to this disease.

On my Diabetes Odyssey blog, I share real stories and insights that highlight the human side of living with diabetes. Every conversation, every story, and every blue ribbon helps build a more understanding and connected world.

🌎 Join the Movement

This November, let’s go beyond awareness — let’s act together.

By wearing blue, sharing facts, and supporting research, you become part of a global movement for change.

Together, we can create a future where diabetes is understood, managed, and hopefully prevented for everyone, globally. ~msd

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