Let’s Sew Blue For Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of diabetes, supporting those affected, and highlighting the importance of managing and preventing this chronic condition. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body processes blood glucose, or what many know as blood sugar. Millions of people worldwide live with diabetes, and many more are at risk of developing it. Raising awareness is key to helping people take steps to prevent and manage diabetes and improve their quality of life. There are many ways to bring awareness, but being a part of the sewing community and living with diabetes myself, I created an online event called “Let’s Sew Blue”, and this is our 3rd year using our sewing machines to help bring awareness to this disease. Before we get into the event, let me first help you understand this disease a little better.

What Is Diabetes

There are three main types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, meaning people with Type 1 need to take insulin daily. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough of it. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth, but it can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later. Each type of diabetes requires careful attention to blood sugar levels, diet, and sometimes medication or insulin injections.

The theme for Diabetes Awareness Month often focuses on a specific aspect of diabetes management and support. This year’s theme, for instance, could center around early detection and prevention. Type 2 diabetes, which affects the majority of people with diabetes, can often be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Simple changes like eating balanced meals, getting regular exercise, and avoiding excessive sugar intake can make a big difference. For those already diagnosed, managing diabetes is essential to prevent complications like heart disease, kidney damage, and vision loss.

Support System

For individuals living with diabetes, a strong support system is incredibly important. This month is a reminder to families, friends, and communities about the role they play in helping those they love with diabetes. Support can come in many forms, from encouraging healthy habits to being there for someone as they navigate the ups and downs of blood sugar management. Emotional support can also be essential, as managing diabetes can be stressful. By listening, understanding, and offering encouragement, friends and family can make a positive impact. I can’t stress enough how important and appreciated this is.

Another critical focus of Diabetes Awareness Month is education. Many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of diabetes, which can include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, light-headedness, and blurry vision. I too was unaware that the symptoms I was having stemmed from diabetes, and it literally almost cost me my life. By spreading awareness of these signs, we can encourage people to get checked by a doctor if they notice symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve long-term outcomes and prevent complications. For people with a family history of diabetes or other risk factors, this month is a good time to learn about screening options and healthy lifestyle changes.

Throughout November, you might see blue circles or even blue ribbons, the symbol for diabetes awareness, on social media or at community events. These symbols remind us of the importance of coming together to fight diabetes. Participating in awareness activities, sharing information, or simply talking about diabetes can help reduce stigma and educate others. Together, we can create a community that supports those with diabetes and promotes healthier lives. That is why I started “Let’s Sew Blue” in the sewing community, to do something I enjoy along with others, and bring awareness at the same time.

Let’s Sew Blue

While dealing with the lifestyle change after being diagnosed with diabetes, I found a lot of peace at my sewing machine. It actually allowed my to take my mind off of my situation, which allowed me to be able to reduce some of the stress I was under. As October approached, I knew that I would see a lot being advertised about Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This made me wonder if there was a Diabetes Awareness Month, so I looked it up. The first thing that I realized, is that as many people deal with diabetes directly or indirectly, I never saw any advertisements or any mentions about Diabetes Awareness Month. That’s when I decided to create a sewing challenge to bring awareness to this common disease.

I didn’t know exactly how I would do it, but I had an idea of what I wanted to see, so I just jumped in and started “Let’s Sew Blue” by having everyone sew something blue, and throughout the month, I would post information about diabetes. At the end of the month, everyone who participated and sent me a photo of their sewn project, would be compiled into a video. This turned out really well, so we did it again the following year. This year is going to be a little different and more fun. We are sewing from inspiration photos, so there will be more of a strategy to sewing up our projects. If you have never participated in the “Let’s Sew Blue” challenge, I invite you to join in and have fun with the rest of us!

Closing

Diabetes Awareness Month is an opportunity for all of us to learn, support, and take action. Whether you’re living with diabetes, know someone who is, or just want to learn more, taking small steps to raise awareness can make a big difference. Sewing may not seem like a huge step, but with enough of us showing off our skills in blue and sharing information about diabetes, not only are you helping others, but you are also being a great support system, and you just might even save lives!