I Raise My Hand to Stop Diabetes®

November is American Diabetes Month (ADM), a time to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. The American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and its serious complications.

The theme of this year’s American Diabetes Month is I Raise My Hand to Stop Diabetes. The American Diabetes Association will pay tribute those who have raised their hand and work to Stop Diabetes every day. People, places and programs that are working hard to change the future of diabetes will be highlighted. At the same time, Americans will be rallied to join these champions in the Stop Diabetes movement by visiting our Facebook page and pledging to take actions against diabetes.

The need for your help is truly urgent. While death rates due to cancer, heart disease, and stroke have all declined in the last 20 years, diabetes death rates continue to climb. Donate now to help us continue to get closer to a cure for diabetes and ensure a better future for those living with diabetes.

Your generous donation will help us continue funding vital research, advocacy, education and public awareness efforts for American families affected by diabetes. Just as importantly, your support sends a message to everyone living with diabetes that they are not alone... and that together, we will stop diabetes!

To further support those living with diabetes, visit our online store.

Diabetes Basics

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Some groups have a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes than others such as African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans and Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders, as well as the aged population. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin.

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

What can I eat if I have diabetes?

Are you constantly asking yourself, "What can I eat?" It's time to stop worrying! Living with diabetes doesn't have to mean feeling deprived or restricted. Here are a few tips on making healthful food choices for you and your entire family. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Try picking from the rainbow of colors available to maximize variety. Eat non-starchy vegetables such as spinach, carrots, broccoli or green beans with meals. Choose whole grain foods over processed grain products. Try brown rice with your stir fry or whole wheat spaghetti with your favorite pasta sauce. Include dried beans (like kidney or pinto beans) and lentils in your meals. Include fish in your meals 2-3 times a week. Choose lean meats like cuts of beef and pork that end in "loin" such as pork loin and sirloin. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey. Choose non-fat dairy products such as skim milk, non-fat yogurt and non-fat cheese. Choose liquid oils for cooking instead of solid fats that can be high in saturated and trans fats. Remember that fats are high in calories. If you're trying to lose weight, watch your portion sizes of added fats.

You can also browse through our online library, purchase cookbooks and more!

About Us

The American Diabetes Association is a voluntary health association designated as taxexempt under section 501(C)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Your donations are taxdeductible to the full extent of the law. All transactions on our Web site are safe and secure. An impressive 73% of every dollar spent supports research, advocacy, and services for people affected by diabetes.