Diversity in Diabetes: Supporting Every Person Living with Diabetes

Diversity in Diabetes: Education and Support

Diversity in Diabetes equips its members with the tools they need to manage their health effectively. DiD has developed educational classes that meet people where they are. If you visit the Education page of DiD’s website, you will find useful information on various topics. Most importantly, the support programs and classes are free for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 

Support topics include:

• Healthy Eating
• Being Active
• Monitoring Your Blood Glucose Levels
• Healthy Coping
• Taking Medications
• Problem-solving
• Reducing Diabetes Risks

Virtual Diabetes Education Program (VDEP)

This 12-week program for people with diabetes offers virtual connection and education through six interactive discussions. These sessions help participants manage their feelings, information, and choices related to living with diabetes. The program meets once a week for six weeks, covering diabetes self-management topics, with guidance from a health coach using the Map4health app—an app that supports users in their self-management journeys.

Monthly Support Groups

Within their educational pillar, you will also find access to their monthly support group meetings. This support group is labeled “insulin inclusive,” meaning people with all types of insulin management styles are welcome to attend! They occur on the 4th Wednesday of the month at 4:30 PM PST, 6:30 PM CST, and 7:30 PM EST.

Diversity in Diabetes: Resources

DiD offers resources rooted in holistic wellbeing for people with diabetes. Some of their latest coverage includes insights on diabetes care affordability, smart meal-planning and grocery shopping strategies, how to start a new diabetes medication, and more. 

DiD also offers a Care Provider Directory that helps connect people with diabetes to inclusive care professionals near their zip code. The professionals you might find include Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialists (CDCESs), Registered Nurses (RNs), Life Coaches, Medical Doctors (MDs), and more.

Diversity in Diabetes Care

Diversity and inclusion are critical components of effective diabetes care and education.

Research and guidance from national health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), show that social, cultural, and economic factors can influence health outcomes. Ensuring that diabetes programs reflect and address these differences helps improve the quality, accessibility, and relevance of care for all individuals living with diabetes.

In diabetes education and support, culturally and linguistically appropriate materials enhance understanding and engagement. 

Providing information that aligns with an individual’s language, literacy level, and cultural background supports informed decision-making and fosters better self-management. National guidance and standards—such as the American Diabetes Association’s 2025 Standards of Care and the HHS National CLAS Standards—encourage approaches that recognize each person’s unique circumstances and values.

Representation in Diabetes Care

Representation within the diabetes workforce and community networks also contributes to stronger care and advocacy.

When healthcare professionals, educators, and peer supporters come from all backgrounds, they bring a wider range of perspectives and insights that help identify and address barriers to equitable care. These efforts align with federal nondiscrimination protections, including Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which promote equal access to health services and communication.

Diabetes Advocacy and Diversity

In advocacy and public health initiatives, diversity ensures that the needs of all people living with diabetes are considered. 

Inclusive participation in program development, research, and policy discussions helps identify gaps in access to technology, medication, and education. It supports data collection that more accurately represents the experiences of people from varied racial, ethnic, geographic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 

Relevant federal guidance includes the NIH policy on inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research and the CDC’s work on social determinants of health and diabetes.

When health systems, educators, and advocacy organizations acknowledge and integrate diversity into their work, the result is more effective, ethical, and equitable support for everyone affected by diabetes. Federal resources that support these approaches include Healthy People 2030’s health equity priorities and the CDC's Health Equity Guiding Principles for Inclusive Communication.

World Diabetes Day 2025 Summit

If you want to support DiD’s mission, you can participate in their various programs, services, and resources, collaborate with DiD on research studies, speaking engagements, community events, podcast appearances, or internships, or donate to their organization. 

What’s on the horizon for DiD? 

From November 14 to 15, 2025, DiD will host a “People of Color Living with Diabetes (POCLWD) Summit” both virtually and in-person in Phoenix, Arizona. This event will offer resources and insightful information to empower individuals living with diabetes, and the registration is now open. 

This year’s fourth annual summit will focus on mental health, financial wellness, diabetes technology, and the strength of community.

Coinciding with the start of World Diabetes Day, which occurs every year on November 14, and aligning with this year’s theme set by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF): well-being. If you’re interested in attending, you can learn more and register here. Disclaimer: Type 1 Strong strives to provide accurate and up-to-date information on its website. The sources cited in this article reflect policies and guidance available at the time of publication. Type 1 Strong does not guarantee that the content will be updated to reflect new or revised guidance after publication. 

Readers are responsible for consulting official federal and state resources, including state legislators and regulatory agencies, for the most current information. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or professional advice. Type 1 Strong makes reasonable efforts to comply with applicable federal and state guidance.