JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, invites the Oregon and Southwest Washington communities to join in celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month (NDAM) this November by raising awareness of the urgent need to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications.

On November 14, the Oregon/Southwest Washington Chapter will be celebrating World Diabetes Day, gathering local support for the more than 1.25 million Americans and their families and caregivers affected by T1D.

 “Managing T1D and avoiding its dangers are constant and life-long tasks, so it helps to have a strong, supportive and educated community that understands the needs of T1D families,” said Judy Summers, JDRF Executive Director, Oregon/Southwest Washington Chapter. “We are thankful to the Oregon and Southwest Washington communities for their support and encouragement during NDAM and every month of the year. With your help, we’re determined to create a world without T1D.”

On November 1, JDRF is launching a new campaign entitled “T1D Champions. All Day. Every Day.” to spread awareness about life with T1D while celebrating the inherent strength and resilience of individuals affected by T1D.

In acknowledgment of National Diabetes Awareness Month, we encourage the community to also visit www.jdrf.org/NDAM to share their personal story, use a variety of campaign social media filters, and take actions on behalf of the T1D community to help others understand the cumulative burden of living with this disease.

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic, life-threatening autoimmune disease that strikes children and adults at any age. Its onset is sudden and is not related to diet or lifestyle. In T1D, the body’s immune system destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, meaning the body produces little to no insulin to regulate blood sugar and get energy from food. T1D requires rigorous 24/7 monitoring of blood glucose levels—even overnight—to avoid potentially lethal highs and lows in blood sugar, as well as other devastating complications like kidney, eye and nerve diseases.

To learn more about T1D, please visit www.jdrf.org.