Wear Blue For Diabetes – And Help Spot The Symptoms!

Type 1 diabetes symptoms are easy to miss in children… That’s why Sweet Life Diabetes Community has launched the Wear Blue for Diabetes campaign this November.

Do you know the 5 common symptoms of diabetes? Would you know what to look for in a child with Type 1 diabetes? For most parents (and many teachers), the answer is no. But we’re looking to change that this year, with #WearBlueForDiabetes.

The concept is simple: ask schools (and workplaces!) to wear blue for diabetes on Friday 12th November, ahead of World Diabetes Day on Sunday 14th November, and equip them with all the tools they need to raise awareness about diabetes on the day.

While Type 2 diabetes is most commonly seen in adults, Type 1 diabetes (which used to be called juvenile diabetes) is often diagnosed in children. Awareness of the 5 common symptoms can help children to be diagnosed earlier – and keep them from scary hospital emergencies.

The 5 common symptoms of diabetes

1. Extreme thirst
2. Needing to pee a lot, especially at night
3. Extreme hunger
4. Exhaustion
5. Blurry vision

Our Digital Diabetes Awareness pack includes:

A video and voice note story

A Type 1 diabetes story by South Africa’s favourite storyteller, Gcina Mhlophe, in video and voice note format. (Watch it here!)

A printable poster

Share the common symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in this easily printable poster.

A Teacher’s Guide to Diabetes

This helpful guide was developed by Youth With Diabetes, and shares all the information teachers need about diabetes.

A community resource list

Here are South Africa’s diabetes support organisations and where to find out more about diabetes.

Social media posts

To spread awareness on the day, and share the information far and wide.

Get all of these resources – and more – at www.sweetlife.org.za/wear-blue-for-diabetes