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November is all about diabetes, whether in animals, people, or its impact on various body parts. We're using American Diabetes Month as the sigil, but it is observed worldwide in multiple forms with different champion organizations. American Diabetes Month aims to educate the public about the risk factors and signs of diabetes, which include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and unexplained weight loss.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition affecting millions globally and has increased in prevalence over the past few decades. Marked by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetes typically falls into Type 1 or Type 2 classifications.

Type 1 diabetes, often diagnosed in children and young adults, occurs when the body cannot produce insulin, a hormone crucial for regulating blood sugar.
Type 2 diabetes, the more common form, arises when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces or can't make enough, typically diagnosed in adults.

The origins of diabetes can be traced back to ancient times, with mentions in Egyptian manuscripts dating back to 1552 BC. However, the term "diabetes," derived from the Greek word "to siphon," was coined in the by Aretaeus of Cappadocia (129-199 AD). Over time, medical understanding of the condition has evolved significantly. Still, it was in the 1921 discovery of insulin, through the work of Frederick Banting, Charles Best, James Collip, and John Macleod, that treatment became available. Their work began in November 1920—thus the reason for November being a focus for diabetes.

Various factors contribute to the onset of diabetes, ranging from genetics to lifestyle choices.

Type 1, generally considered an autoimmune disease, currently has no definitive preventive measures.

For Type 2, however, a diet high in sugar and fats, lack of physical activity, and obesity are major risk factors. Diabetes affects all genders, ages, and ethnicities.

According to the World Health Organization, by 2020, approximately 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, a fourfold increase from the estimates in 1980. One hundred thirty million adults are living with diabetes or prediabetes in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's latest 2022 figures. The International Diabetes Federation projects that approximately 783 million globally will live with diabetes by 2045.

While diabetes affects people of all backgrounds, it disproportionately impacts minority communities and those with lower socioeconomic status, exacerbating health inequalities.

Diabetes is often dubbed a "silent killer" due to its long-term complications if not managed effectively. It can lead to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, and lower limb amputation. However, through regular monitoring, medication, and lifestyle changes, it can be managed effectively, allowing patients to lead fulfilling lives.

November is also Pet Diabetes Month and Diabetic Eye Disease Month.

Africa

Nov

Diabetes, Pet Diabetes Month: November

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Pet Diabetes Month is an international outreach and education forum seeking to provide information about diabetes in pets. Sponsored by Intervet International BV/Merck Animal Health, veterinary clinics send out flyers and brochures on pet diabetes this month, while many provide discount screenings.

Africa

Nov

Diabetic Eye Disease Month: November

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Diabetic Eye Disease Month raises awareness about diabetes, diabetic eye disease, the importance of early disease detection, and related preventive health services covered by Medicare. Diabetes can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, vision loss, kidney disease, nerve damage, and amputation, among others, and it’s a significant risk factor for developing glaucoma. People with diabetes are more susceptible to many other illnesses, such as pneumonia and influenza, and are more likely to die from these than people who do not have diabetes.

Africa

Nov

Drum Month, Intl.: November

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National Drum Month, sponsored by the Percussion Marketing Council, encourages people to become drummers and invest in percussion sets. Music stores often offer special incentives for purchasing percussion instruments during this month.

Africa

Nov

Entrepreneurship Month, Ntl.: November

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Proclaimed by President Barack Obama, this month focuses on the efforts of entrepreneurs and their innovative contributions to the economy. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of any growing economy and promote entrepreneurship to American youth. Several events occur this month, including Global Entrepreneurship Week, National Entrepreneurs’ Day, Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, and Small Business Saturday.

Africa

Nov

Epilepsy Month, Ntl.: November

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National Epilepsy Month seeks to raise awareness of the treatment and therapies available to those with epilepsy. During this month, people are encouraged to acknowledge and understand the disorder and support the fight against the misconceptions, discrimination, and isolation facing those who live with epilepsy. Additionally, this month provides a support system for those affected by this condition.

Africa

Nov

Extra Mile Day: November 1

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Extra Mile Day celebrates our capacity to create unique and positive change in ourselves, our families, our organizations, and our communities when we "go the extra mile." It is a day to clap hard for those individuals and organizations who are "going the extra mile" in volunteerism and service to make a positive difference in the world.

Africa

Nov

Eye Donor Month, Ntl.: November

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Since 1983 the EBAA has held National Eye Donor Month to promote awareness of the need to donate eyes as part of the organ donor program, recognize donors and their families, and celebrate corneal recipients. Each year a member of Congress reads a proclamation into the Congressional Record to note this special occasion. This event initially ran in March.

Africa

Nov

Family Caregivers Month, Ntl.: November

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National Family Caregivers Month honors caregivers who support and comfort sick family members. Proclaimed by President Barack Obama and recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, family caregivers receive flowers and gifts in appreciation of their efforts.

Africa

Nov

Family Reunion Planning Month: November

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Family Reunion Planning Month falls each year in November and is the perfect time to begin planning your family’s next reunion. Relatives usually gather at this time of year, making it easier to coordinate with each other. Most family reunions occur in the summer or early fall. The larger your family, the more time they usually require to plan.

Africa

Nov

Family Stories Month: November

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Family stories are oral histories about people, places, and events related to our immediate family members or their ancestors. Family stories casually chatted about at the dinner table or regaled repeatedly at family gatherings can parallel great epics or notable short stories.

The memorable stories of our lives and others in our family are important because they are authentic, even if everyone tells different versions of the same event. These tales are family heirlooms held in the heart, not the hand. They are a gift to each generation that preserves them by remembering them and passing them on. Remember, the first step to becoming a successful storyteller is by listening. Families are encouraged to share as many stories during this month as possible.

Africa

Nov

Fig Week, Ntl.: November 1-7

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National Fig Week celebrates one of nature's natural candies, the fig. Originally believed to be an aphrodisiac, figs have several health benefits. They are good sources of calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants with anti-diabetic properties. Figs are relatively low in calories at just 120 calories per half cup. In California, fig production averages over 28 million pounds per year. All dried figs harvested in the United States are grown in California's Central Valley.

Africa

Nov

Forgiveness and Happiness Day, Ntl.: November 1

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National Day of Forgiveness and Happiness is one of several days focusing on forgiveness, each sponsored by different groups. The best way to celebrate is to forgive someone you’ve been holding a grudge against, allowing both of you to get on with your life.

Africa

Nov

French Week, National: November 1-7

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National French Week is an American educational event celebrating all things francophonie. French essayist Onésime Reclus coined the term "francophonie" in 1880 as he was trying to describe the geographic areas of the world where French is spoken.

Africa

Nov

Games Month, Intl.: November

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International Games and Puzzle Month is a promotion designed to promote socially interactive games, which usually include non-electronic, board, cards, role-playing, and educational games. National Games and Puzzle Week originated with Games Quarterly magazine under the helm of Mark Simmons. Currently, Greater Game Industry Catalog champion's the event.

Africa