Did you know that 1 in 11 Americans today has diabetes? Despite its prevalence, diabetes is an invisible disease. It affects men and women, people young and old, and people of all races, shapes and sizes. Often there are no outward signs from the 29 million Americans who fight this chronic illness every day. That’s why there is a critical need to foster awareness and education while breaking down stereotypes, myths and misunderstandings about this growing public health crisis that affects so many of us.

This is exactly why the American Diabetes Association marks each November as American Diabetes Month—to bring extra attention to the disease and the tens of millions of people affected by it.

This November, the organization will showcase real-life stories of friends, families and neighbors managing the day-to-day triumphs and challenges of diabetes. The 2016 campaign, sponsored by Colgate Total^® (National Oral Care Strategic Partner) and Medtronic Diabetes^®, invites all of us to use #ThisIsDiabetes to share personal stories and to start a dialogue about what it really means to live with diabetes.

To learn more and view #ThisIsDiabetes stories from around the country, check out diabetes.org/adm. Be sure to also follow the American Diabetes Association on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Check out this guide on when to see a diabetes specialist, too. And consider TopDoc Connect when looking for a specialist that meets your preferences.