diff --git a/adafruit_display_text/bitmap_label.py b/adafruit_display_text/bitmap_label.py
index 2316cc8..ebf127b 100755
--- a/adafruit_display_text/bitmap_label.py
+++ b/adafruit_display_text/bitmap_label.py
@@ -1060,6 +1060,8 @@ def text(self):
 
     @text.setter
     def text(self, new_text):
+        if new_text == self.full_text:
+            return
         self.full_text = new_text
         self.update(True)