10 Fun Ways to Spread Awareness for Diabetes Awareness Month & World Diabetes Day

During November we celebrate Diabetes Awareness Month, with World Diabetes Day celebrated on November 14th. It’s a special time for families, schools, and communities to come together, learn a little more, and show big support for everyone living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D).

Awareness doesn’t have to be serious- it can be fun, colourful, creative and full of heart. Whether your child is a toddler, in school or a teen ready to make a difference, here are some exciting ways to get involved and help spread understanding and positivity this month.

1. Superhero Dress-Up Fundraiser Day

Because children and teens with diabetes are real life superheroes! Host a superhero dress up day at school or nursery- everyone donates £1 to join in and the funds go to your favourite diabetes charity. Not only does it raise money, but it sparks conversations about why children and young people with T1D truly are strong, brave and inspiring every day.

Parent Tip: You could create a “Super Squad” and hand out superhero face masks, blue ribbons or stickers for everyone who takes part.

2. Blue Day at School or Work

Blue is the colour of diabetes awareness. Pick a day in November for everyone to wear something blue- from socks to scarves to face paint- and talk about what it means. Share fun facts in assembly or morning meeting to help classmates or coworkers understand what diabetes really is.

Bonus idea: Make a big human blue circle (the global symbol for diabetes) and snap a photo to share online with #WorldDiabetesDay.

3. Bake Blue for Awareness

Get the whole family in the kitchen for “Bake Blue” day. Think blueberry muffins, blue iced cookies or cupcakes, or even a cake decorated with the diabetes blue circle. Sell your creations at school or in your community and donate the month to diabetes research or a local T1D support group. It’s a delicious way to raise funds and spark conversations about T1D!

4. Create Awareness Art

Encourage your child or teen to use their creativity! Draw, paint, or design something that shows what living with diabetes means to them- from the highs and lows to the hope and strength. Display the art at school, post it on social media with #T1DAwarenessMonth, or even make a small exhibition in your local library or community centre.

5. Share Your Story

Nothing spreads awareness better than real stories. Whether you’re a parent, child or teen with T1D, share your experience on social media, at school, or through your community newsletter. Talk about what daily life looks like- the finger pricks, the tech, the resilience- and the message that diabetes doesn’t stop you from living fully. “Awareness starts with understanding- and understanding starts with sharing.”

6. Organise a Blue Balloon Release or Walk

Get your community or school together for a blue balloon release (using biodegradable balloons) or a Blue Walk- where everyone walks a set distance in blue to raise funds and awareness. It’s a great way for families to connect and celebrate strength, unity and hope for a cure.

7. Teach and Talk

Bring Diabetes Awareness Month into your classroom! Parents can offer to help classmates understand T1D- what insulin does, why technology like pumps and sensors are so important, and how to support friends who live with diabetes. Children love learning games, quizzes and hands on demos (like how much sugar is in a can of soda compared to what insulin helps manage!).

8. Spread the Word Online

Teens and parents can use social media for good! Share posts, facts, and stories throughout November. You could post one fun fact per day, a “myth vs. truth” carousel, or a “day in the life” snapshot showing what diabetes management really looks like. Tag your favourite diabetes charities and use hashtags like #WorldDiabetesDay #T1DAwarenessMonth #DiabetesStrong #BlueCircle

9. Make a “Day in the Life” Video

Children and teens with Type 1 Diabetes can create a short video showing what their day looks like- from checking glucose levels to snack breaks, sports, or tech changes. It’s a fun and creative way to educate friends, classmates, and teachers about what living with diabetes really means- and to show that children with T1D can do anything!

Tip: Keep it light, real and empowering

10. Blue Craft Corner for Little Ones

For toddlers and younger children, set up a “Blue Craft Corner” at home or nursery. Use blue paints, paper plates, glitter, and stickers to make blue circles, posters, or bracelets for World Diabetes Day. It’s a simple, hands on way to start early conversations about diabetes and to help even the youngest children feel proud of spreading awareness.

Bonus: Display their crafts on a “Wall of Awareness” or take a group photo to share online with family and friends

The Heart of It All

This month is about more than awareness- it’s about connection, community and compassion. Every blue shirt worn, every £1 donated, every story shared helps make the world a kinder and more understanding place for everyone living with diabetes.

So grab your blue outfits, bake some cookies, and celebrate the heroes in your life- because awareness begins with you!