9.5 Million People Live With Type 1 Diabetes as Denver Lights Turn Blue

The Children's Diabetes Foundation will illuminate Denver landmarks in blue on Saturday, Nov. 14, to mark World Diabetes Day and the start of Diabetes Awareness Month. The Aurora-based organization serves as the fundraising arm for the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, a facility that provides care to thousands of children and adults with Type 1 Diabetes.

The Denver Turns Blue campaign unites local partners to raise awareness of early warning signs for the autoimmune disease. The foundation aims to direct attention to the symptoms that often appear suddenly in patients. According to Breakthrough T1D, more than 9.5 million people worldwide currently live with Type 1 Diabetes.

Several buildings across the city will display blue lighting on different dates. Meow Wolf, DaVita Headquarters, The Confluence, Elitch Gardens, and the Four Seasons Hotel Denver will shine blue throughout November. The City and County Building lit up from Nov. 1 to 7, while the McNichols Building did the same from Nov. 3 to 7. Ball Arena featured blue lights on Nov. 12, and Denver Union Station will join the display on Nov. 14.

The Children's Diabetes Foundation is also hosting a free community event at Cherry Creek Shopping Center on Saturday. The gathering is open to the public and includes on-site testing for Type 1 Diabetes and celiac disease markers. The event provides a direct opportunity for residents to learn about the condition and access preliminary health screenings.

Breakthrough T1D identifies extreme thirst and frequent urination as common early indicators. These symptoms occur because kidneys attempt to filter excess sugar from the bloodstream, a process that requires significant fluid loss. Patients may also experience unexplained weight loss, fatigue, dry mouth, and itchy skin as the body struggles to convert blood sugar into energy.

Additional signs include blurry vision, a fruity odor on the breath, irritability, and slow-healing cuts. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to eyesight problems. A fruity breath odor signals a buildup of ketones, which can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.