Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Diabetes Statistics Report, an estimated 37.3 million people in the United States, or 11.3% of the population, have diabetes. About 1 in 4 adults with diabetes don’t know they have the disease. An estimated 96 million American adults have prediabetes, which means their blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Each November, communities across the country observe National Diabetes Month to bring attention to diabetes and its impact on millions of Americans.

Living with diabetes can be challenging to manage every day. You are the most important member of your diabetes care team, but you don’t have to manage your diabetes alone. Seek support from health care professionals, your family, friends, and community to manage your diabetes.