For anyone living with or caring for someone with type 1 diabetes (T1D), educating is something you do throughout the year because there are so many misconceptions about this disease. National Diabetes Awareness Month in November is a special time to raise awareness because it gives the T1D community the chance to collectively use our voices to effect change and make sure that people outside the community understand the impact of T1D.

If you have a child living with T1D, you know that misconceptions about the disease can often arise in different areas of your child’s life – both from other children and adults. While many people know someone with type 1 diabetes, they do not know much about the actual disease which is why education and awareness is crucial.

We hope that you’ll join us in using the month of November as a teaching moment for those who interact with your child with T1D on a regular basis – like their classmates, teachers, coaches, youth groups and more!

You can use this pre-written letter to share with your child’s teacher or coaches with ways that they can educate about T1D on National Diabetes Awareness Month. It includes different engaging activities for students as well as the link to a video which educates children on type 1 diabetes and what it means to live with it. Another way you can help educate those around you about T1D is by downloading these printable resources and sharing them with adults in your child’s life. If you would like to help raise awareness of T1D in other ways this November, visit www.jdrf.org/imthetype.