02/02/2026
Black History Month | Visibility, Awareness & Equity in Type 1 Diabetes
Black History Month is not about separation. It’s about visibility, accountability, and building systems that serve everyone better.
As we step into Black History Month, we honor the legacy, leadership, and lived experiences that have shaped our communities, our systems, and our collective pursuit of equity.
At Sky’s Pancreas Partners, this month matters both personally and purposefully.
Type 1 Diabetes does not discriminate.But access, awareness, and timely diagnosis often do.
In Black and Brown communities, diabetes, particularly Type 1; is frequently misdiagnosed, delayed, or misunderstood. Often overshadowed by assumptions, limited screening, or lack of access to specialized care. These gaps can lead to life-altering outcomes for individuals and families.
Honoring Black History Through Health & Lived Experience
This Black History Month, we reflect on the story of Ella Fitzgerald—a legendary artist whose life was also shaped by diabetes-related complications.
Ella Fitzgerald was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and later experienced severe health outcomes, including vision loss and limb amputations. While medical knowledge and technology have evolved, her story invites an important reflection:
How might earlier awareness, equitable access to screening, and proactive care have changed the trajectory—not just for her, but for so many Black individuals navigating chronic illness?
Her legacy reminds us that health disparities are not abstract. They are personal. They are historical. And they continue to inform why access, education, and early detection matter today—especially in communities that have long been underserved.
Awareness → Access → Action
Awareness must lead to access—and access must lead to action.
This month, we are intentionally bringing conversations forward around:
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis in Black and Brown families
The need for inclusive, culturally responsive education and screening
Early awareness as a tool for prevention, safety, and long-term outcomes
We are proud to work alongside screening and education partners who support these efforts:
Wayne Pediatrics— providing trusted pediatric access and screening for families in the metro Detroit area
Sanofi US — advancing diabetes education, awareness, and screening initiatives nationwide
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