November 13, 2026

Diabetes, Explained

Blood glucose meter with test strip, insulin vial, syringe, lancing device, and test strips.
World Diabetes Day

November 14 marks World Diabetes Day, which seeks to raise awareness of diabetes mellitus.

© Fo2trends/Dreamstime.com
insulin, discovery of
What is insulin?

Discover the connection between diabetes and this vital blood glucose–regulating hormone.

Courtesy of the National Library of Medicine

  1. Islets of Langerhans
    An anatomical illustration of the human pancreas shows its location near the stomach and intestines, a detailed cross-section highlighting ducts and the islet of Langerhans, and an inset of pancreatic tissue histology with labeled alpha, beta, and delta cells.
  2. Antidiabetic drug
    Semaglutide
  3. Glucose
    Glucose
  4. Hyperglycemia
    A person uses a self-testing glucose meter, holding the device and applying a drop of blood from their fingertip to a test strip.

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