Friday, November 6, 2026
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about a chronic disease that affects millions of Americans and highlight the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or use it effectively, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Left untreated or poorly managed, the disease can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage and vision loss. Here are three things to know about diabetes and the efforts being made to combat it.
1. Understanding the different types of diabetes
Diabetes affects people of all ages, but the two most common forms, Type 1 and Type 2, have different causes and treatment requirements.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with Type 1 diabetes require insulin to survive. Although it is frequently diagnosed in children and young adults, the condition can develop at any age.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It accounts for approximately 90% to 95% of diagnosed diabetes cases in the United States.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 can be prevented or delayed through lifestyle changes.
2. Recognizing symptoms and preventing complications
Early detection plays an important role in managing diabetes, particularly because symptoms can develop gradually or go unnoticed.
Common warning signs include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision. Some people also experience slow-healing wounds or recurring infections.
Type 1 diabetes symptoms can develop rapidly, sometimes over several weeks, while Type 2 diabetes may progress slowly over several years. Some individuals with Type 2 diabetes experience no noticeable symptoms before receiving a diagnosis.
Health care providers use blood tests, including the A1C test, to measure blood sugar levels.
3. The North Shore’s commitment to diabetes research
Diabetes awareness has a longstanding connection to Glen Cove through Cooking for a Cure, a community fundraiser supporting the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation.
Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton and Glen Cove restaurateur Jeanine DiMenna helped establish the event after DeRiggi-Whitton’s daughter, Amanda, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 3.
Over the years, the fundraiser has brought together local restaurants, businesses and residents to support research aimed at developing treatments and ultimately finding a cure.
The event celebrated its 20th installment in April 2026 and has raised more than $1.5 million for diabetes research.
