Here’s what diabetes tech companies are doing for National Diabetes Awareness Month

As we enter November, we enter National Diabetes Awareness Month. A number of diabetes technology developers plan to mark that in a special way.

Dexcom (Nasdaq:DXCM), Insulet (Nasdaq:PODD) and Embecta (Nasdaq:EMBC) all announced their plans to celebrate.

Last year, a handful of companies marked the month — which includes World Diabetes Day (Nov. 14) — in a series of ways. Here’s how they’re doing it this year.

Dexcom enlists star power

Dexcom plans to feature prominent members of its “Dexcom Warrior” community of users of its continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology. Members will team up with artists of their choosing to co-create a Dexcom G6 adhesive patch design.

Soul musician Patti LaBelle teamed up with artist and social activist Jaleel Campbell to design her patch. Campbell’s artwork aims to capture the “beauty and essence” of Black life and honor African traditions, Dexcom said.

NFL player Mark Andrews plans to collaborate with Grace Meyers, a football fan who began rooting for Andrews after learning he plays while managing his condition.

“I didn’t have role models with diabetes when I was diagnosed at age nine and looking back, it would have meant a lot to see someone like me performing at the highest level. I want to be that role model,” said Andrews. “I’m excited to wear Grace’s patch this November, and with her help, show the world that diabetes doesn’t hold us back and everyone deserves access to the best care and technology.”

Model Bambi Northwood-Blyth partnered with endocrinologist Mike Natter. Natter, a visual artist, designed a patch with inspiration from the way Northwood-Blyth sees the condition.

Additionally, on Nov. 14, LaBelle, Andrews and Northwood-Blyth will amplify community voices on social media.

The community can wear the celebrity-designed patches or create their own by visiting SeeDiabetes.com.

Insulet sets up events for people with diabetes

Insulet said it plans to celebrate World Diabetes Day the same way for the eighth consecutive year. That entails appearing at the Nasdaq stock market to virtually ring the closing bell on Nov. 14. President and CEO Jim Hollingshead, along with a group of global employees, intend to participate. Additionally, Insulet plans to appear on the Pharmacy Podcast Network to elevate the understanding of the disease.

The Omnipod automated insulin delivery system maker also has plans for the full month. Insulet intends to share educational and inspirational customer stories on social media throughout November. It also planned various events and activities to spread diabetes knowledge to its own employees.

Insulet is also sponsoring an event in Albuquerque, New Mexico with American Ninja Warrior finalist Katie Bone, an Omnipod user. Individuals and families with type 1 diabetes can meet Bone and participate in a game night hosted by JDRF on Nov. 2.

“Our team is relentless in our mission to improve the lives of people with diabetes around the world,” said Hollingshead. “Diabetes is an epidemic which continues to grow at an alarming rate while straining healthcare systems and burdening patients worldwide. November is the perfect time to acknowledge the diabetes community and create awareness for the daily challenges that our customers face.”

Embecta’s first National Diabetes Awareness Month

Embecta, the spinoff diabetes business of BD, is celebrating its first National Diabetes Awareness Month as a standalone company. It finalized its split from BD in April of this year.

To mark the month, Embecta rang the opening bell at Nasdaq this morning.

“We are proud to celebrate this year’s Diabetes Awareness Month by ringing the Nasdaq Opening Bell with representatives of several organizations that make diabetes, and supporting the people who are living with diabetes, their sole focus,” said Devdatt “Dev” Kurdikar, president and CEO of Embecta. “Our company is honored to recognize the patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations working together to improve access to education and progress toward the vision of a life unlimited by diabetes.”

The company also recognized the 100-year milestone of the first successful insulin injection administered to someone with diabetes.

“Our community often faces stigma and isolation associated with diabetes as we frequently practice self-management of the disease,” said Anna Norton, CEO of DiabetesSisters. “Increased access to education and resources that will improve the standard of care and quality of life across the community is essential, and we’re proud to stand with Embecta to share in this mission.”