I am sure that many of you know someone who has or has had diabetes. Yesterday as I reflected on all that I have encountered in my life with diabetes in the past, I thought of numerous people-- everyday people, athletes, celebrities, men, women, and even children. My friend, Hannah, her sister, a high school teacher, my best friend's mother, Paula Dean, my great grandfather, grandfather, and father, Nick Jonas, Jay Cutler, Brett Michaels, the list goes on and on...
Unfortunately, diabetes is real and currently there is no cure; only medication is available. Lately, I have seen many people comment that they did not need to be reminded that it was Diabetes Awareness Month {in other words, they did not need to be aware of diabetes}, however I strongly disagree. I have seen first hand how it affects many lives and their loved ones lives.
Diabetes is a chronic disease in which there is high levels of sugar in the blood. Diabetes can be caused by too little insulin or resistance to insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas that aids in controlling the blood sugar. People with diabetes have high blood sugar because their body cannot move sugar into fat, liver, and muscle cells to be stored for energy. Also, diabetes can be the result of being overweight or consuming an unhealthy diet.
A little health history lesson for today- There are three types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it is most often diagnosed in children, teens, or young adults. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin. Daily injections of insulin are needed. The exact cause is unknown.
- Type 2 diabetes makes up most diabetes cases. It most often occurs in adulthood. However, because of high obesity rates, teens and young adults are now being diagnosed with it. Many people with type 2 diabetes do not know they have it
- Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.
While some people are born with diabetes (Type 1), most people develop diabetes over time due to their diet. This is the main strain of awareness because our diet can be controlled. Many of those who are affected by diabetes or have family members or friends who have diabetes (like myself) urge others to become educated and aware of the possible outcomes that are likely for those who are overweight or older in age. These are the very people who become more susceptible for Type 2 diabetes. While diabetes is treatable, it is not curable. However, although diabetes is treatable this small fact does not make this disease any walk in the park for those affected. Many risk factors are associated with the disease, and some lifestyle changes are not reversible once diagnosed with the disease.
When visiting my Daddy I always watched as he would give himself insulin multiple times a day. I could not ride in a vehicle with him on most occasions because of fear that he would have a "spell". Hannah wears a state of the art meter everywhere she goes at all times. She is a huge role model for her younger sister who also have recently been diagnosed, too. I say all of this because even though there is treatment and medication, diabetic attacks can be dangerously severe, seizures are serious, and the everyday hassle can be tormenting and tolling on your body and life.
I have heard Paula Dean say many times, "Diabetes is not a death sentence, but it is manageable." For instance, Hannah is extremely talented in the genre of musical theatre. She prepares accordingly and always nails her performances perfectly. Even though diabetes affects her every day lifestyle, it does not stop her from achieving her goals. The same goes for Jay Cutler, Nick Jonas, and Brett Michaels- those who are affected by diabetes instill a sense of empowerment, and foster greater understanding of the disease while many work toward a cure.
I have seen enough, heard enough, been tested multiple times, and know that I do not want to have to go through what many others consider their ordinary lifestyle. Even though diabetes is a part of my genetic make-up, if the only thing I can do is monitor the foods that I consume and attempt daily exercise, I am more than happy speak out about awareness and prevention. I know that I certainly do not want to end up as a statistic when this disease is preventable. For those who are interested in prevention, keeping an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent Type 2 diabetes. There is no way yet to prevent Type 1 diabetes
Until next time, happy blogging!
When visiting my Daddy I always watched as he would give himself insulin multiple times a day. I could not ride in a vehicle with him on most occasions because of fear that he would have a "spell". Hannah wears a state of the art meter everywhere she goes at all times. She is a huge role model for her younger sister who also have recently been diagnosed, too. I say all of this because even though there is treatment and medication, diabetic attacks can be dangerously severe, seizures are serious, and the everyday hassle can be tormenting and tolling on your body and life.
I have heard Paula Dean say many times, "Diabetes is not a death sentence, but it is manageable." For instance, Hannah is extremely talented in the genre of musical theatre. She prepares accordingly and always nails her performances perfectly. Even though diabetes affects her every day lifestyle, it does not stop her from achieving her goals. The same goes for Jay Cutler, Nick Jonas, and Brett Michaels- those who are affected by diabetes instill a sense of empowerment, and foster greater understanding of the disease while many work toward a cure.
I have seen enough, heard enough, been tested multiple times, and know that I do not want to have to go through what many others consider their ordinary lifestyle. Even though diabetes is a part of my genetic make-up, if the only thing I can do is monitor the foods that I consume and attempt daily exercise, I am more than happy speak out about awareness and prevention. I know that I certainly do not want to end up as a statistic when this disease is preventable. For those who are interested in prevention, keeping an ideal body weight and an active lifestyle may prevent Type 2 diabetes. There is no way yet to prevent Type 1 diabetes
Until next time, happy blogging!
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