Today is National Diabetes Day!

World Diabetes Day, in fact – the whole world takes some time to pause and reflect on diabetes today…

So what message would you like them to reflect on? We asked the Sweet Life gang, and here’s what they came up with:

* “To know the basic symptoms of diabetes and get their blood sugar checked, even if they think they’re fine. I just had my blood sugar checked and it was a relief to know there’s nothing to worry about!” Claire.

* “That it doesn’t have to be that bad – there’s always hope.” Mark.

* “Being diabetic is much easier when you’re not doing it alone – when you’re part of a community.” Bridget.

What diabetes message would you like to share with the world?

November is full of diabetes awareness events, too. Have you got them marked on your calendar?

• On the 5th November we went to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg, for a Diabetes Awareness Concert. It was an awesome day – Howza (the cover star of Sweet Life’s first issue!) performed along with Danny K, Teargas and Kabelo, and Bongi Ngema-Zuma spoke about the importance of being well informed about diabetes. Sweet Life was there signing people up, and there was free blood sugar testing courtesy of the Novo Nordisk Changing Diabetes Bus.
• This Saturday, November 19th, Diabetes SA is holding a series of Global Diabetes Walks around the country – in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Join in on their 5km or 10km walk and support diabetes awareness!
• On Saturday 26th November, the Bongi Ngema-Zuma Foundation is holding a 5km walk in Sasolburg in the Free State. The Minister of Health will be speaking and it’s sure to be a fun, informative day.

And, of course, Table Mountain and the Voortrekker Monument are lighting up blue for diabetes awareness too! Check out this great video from the International Diabetes Federation all about diabetes awareness and spreading the message.

So tell me, what does National Diabetes Day mean for you?