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You are here: Home / Blog / Diabetes Awareness

Diabetes Awareness

November 13, 2015 By Shann 59 Comments

November is Diabetes Awareness Month

As you all know from my millions of posts, November is Premature Birth Awareness Month, however, I recently learned it was also National Diabetes Awareness Month. I found this out from a friend of my family, and I wanted to do something to help him spread the word.

National Diabetes Awareness Month
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

Dennis

I first met Dennis through Facebook. He grew up in Michigan with my Dad, going to school, working summers together, and running track. Other than my Dad, I think Dennis is one of the biggest supporters of my blog. I can always count on him to read my posts everyday, and give me a “like” on Facebook (a skill my Dad hasn’t mastered quite yet).

When I saw Dennis posting a fact a day about Type 1 Diabetes, and he told me it was National Diabetes Awareness Month, I asked him if he would help me to do a post on the blog. I was so happy when he agreed.

Here is Dennis, with his story about Diabetes, and what you can do to help the millions of people who suffer from this disease.

 

Diabetes Awareness
Meet Dennis

 

I was first diagnosed with diabetes eleven years ago when I was in my mid-50s.  Initially the diagnosis was Type 2 diabetes but when I didn’t respond to oral medication and changes in diet and exercise I was diagnosed as adult onset Type 1 by the doctors at Johns Hopkins.  Most type 1 diagnoses are made with children even though type 1 can occur in people of all ages.  That is why type 1 diabetes is often called juvenile diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease.  It isn’t caused by diet or lifestyle.

All of us have a pancreas and its job is to produce insulin.  In type 1 diabetics, the pancreas stops producing any insulin at all.  In type 2 diabetics, the body does not use the insulin the pancreas produces properly.  Type 1 diabetics have to completely rely on an outside source of insulin. With type 2 diabetics, a combination of diet and exercise and oral medications ,may allow the body to function pretty normally.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes

As a type 1 diabetic, I have to prick my finger up to 10 times a day to check my glucose level, and then calculate how much insulin I need for anything I eat or to make up for a high glucose level.  What is most frustrating is when I do everything right and the numbers are still off, which can happen anytime.  It’s not always logical, and you just can’t always get it right no matter how hard you try.
Diabetes is a life changing disease.  It is chronic and type 1 diabetes cannot be cured but it can be managed and controlled.  People with diabetes are able to manage their disease and can lead full and productive lives and do anything that anyone else can do.  I would say to any diabetic or parent of a diabetic child not to freak out over any one reading or event but pay close attention to the trends. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get support.

How you can Help

The group engaged in research aimed at finding a cure is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a charity I support.  They are really looking at ways the next generation may not have to suffer from this disease. There are others, but this one is the one I support. They can be reached at jdrf.org
Diabetes awareness
Made with help from the JDRF Website
Thank you so much to Dennis for sharing his story with Type 1 Diabetes. Not only can you help by getting more information from the JDRF site, but you can help by sharing this post and spreading awareness about the disease.

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Health Tagged With: Awareness, diabetes, insulin, juvenile diabetes research fund, November, pancreas, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes

Comments

  1. angie says

    November 13, 2015 at 8:32 am

    thank you for sharing. Diabetes is something I live with as well as several of my family members live with daily. It is by sharing our stories that we draw awareness thank you

    Reply
  2. diyjahn says

    November 13, 2015 at 8:54 am

    My wife was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 9 and has been living with it her whole life. Sometimes it gets easier, but sometimes she says it’s just as hard as when she first started. The care never ends. You never stop having to worry about your body. You have to constantly be attentive and it can be really difficult.

    JDRF Is an awesome organization. And thank YOU for posting on this subject. 🙂

    http://www.diyjahn.com

    Reply
  3. beckyginther says

    November 13, 2015 at 9:01 am

    Thank you for sharing. My knowledge of diabetes was pretty limited – I remember reading the Baby-sitter club series and the one character in that book had diabetes, so it’s actually pretty cool that Ann M. Martin included that because it did help spread awareness. And thank you Dennis for contributing so we can learn more!

    Reply
  4. HandPArtistry says

    November 13, 2015 at 9:16 am

    Thanks for the information. My grandfather has Diabetes and it is nice to know other peoples struggles and stories to increase awareness and understanding.

    Reply
  5. Nicole C L says

    November 13, 2015 at 9:53 am

    Thanks for sharing! It’s sometimes hard to sympathize with people when you don’t know all that the go through.

    Reply
  6. My Urban Family says

    November 13, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Thank you for sharing this. A very close family friend has type 1 and it’s sad to see how much of a toll it takes on him! Definitely something worth donating to.

    Reply
  7. Caroline @ In Due Time says

    November 13, 2015 at 10:28 am

    Thank you Dennis for sharing and advocating for such an important cause!

    Reply
  8. tara pittman says

    November 13, 2015 at 10:48 am

    People need to be aware of these disease. Thanks for sharring.

    Reply
  9. Sara Strand says

    November 13, 2015 at 10:50 am

    My sister in law has diabetes and has had an insulin pump since she was 3. Honestly, I would make for the worst diabetic, I honestly don’t know what I would eat. Which, of course, makes me a prime candidate to develop diabetes!

    Reply
  10. Kari Ann says

    November 13, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Thank you for sharing Dennis’s story. Diabetes is one of those diseases I think some people do not take seriously until it gets bad. Awareness is key.

    Reply
  11. Tianna says

    November 13, 2015 at 11:05 am

    thank you so much for sharing your story, Dennis! My boyfriend is a type 1 diabetic and has a very similar story to you (except he’s 27 and was diagnosed at 18). He has to prick his finger all the time, check his sugar, and his numbers might still be off. I think stress plays a huge part in that (at least for him). I really appreciate posts like this because I can’t tell you how many times he’s been in the public restroom or a theme park and people come up to him telling him to “fix his diet,” that it’s his “fatigued adrenal glands” or to go on the raw food diet. Ignorance about the difference between type 1 and type 2 is a really common thing so I’m glad people are spreading awareness and education. I’ve had to learn quite a bit about it as I’m my boyfriend’s official “support person” ( I get to stab him with a massive glucose pen if he passes out or massage his gums with glucose gel), but there is a lot people don’t understand about his condition that I think can be really frustrating. I’m so glad you shared that it’s an autoimmune disease and not due to lifestyle choices! Thank you thank you!

    stop by and chat with me 🙂 http://StorybookApothecary.com

    Reply
  12. michelle says

    November 13, 2015 at 2:04 pm

    diabetes is something that society needs to be more aware of and understand better. i hope this will help others understand

    Reply
  13. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) says

    November 13, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    This is a very education post. Thank you so much for sharing and let us be aware.

    Reply
  14. Ashley says

    November 13, 2015 at 3:50 pm

    My dad lives with Type 2 diabetes and it is such a frustrating cycle that never seems to end. Thank you for sharing this story and bringing more awareness to this disease.

    Reply
  15. Dana says

    November 13, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    My mom has type 2 diabetes and has to give herself injections in her belly every day. Thank you for writing and bringing awareness to this!

    Reply
  16. Corinne Kerston says

    November 13, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    Thank for you sharing your story Dennis. I have known a few people with Diabetes. I think it’s a something people need to know more about, because it can happen to anyone.

    Reply
  17. Allison Jones says

    November 13, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    Great post. National Diabetes Month is something that often slides under the radar but deserves attention as it can affect anyone. I know a lot of people who have diabetes so I can relate to and enjoyed reading Dennis’ story.

    LiveLifeWell,
    Allison

    Reply
  18. Heidi Spears-Gray says

    November 13, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    Several people in my family suffer with diabetes it’s a difficult thing to always be dealing with.

    Reply
  19. Stephanie says

    November 13, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    Thanks for sharing! My cousin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year, and I have just started really learning about it.

    Reply
  20. Elizabeth O. says

    November 13, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    Diabetes is a chronic illness I don’t think I can survive having, because I’m a sweet tooth. So I make sure I balance my sugar intake to avoid it. My grandfather has diabetes and I’m at risk. Thank you for the story, I appreciate it!

    Reply
    • Shann says

      November 13, 2015 at 9:12 pm

      Type 1 is not a result of your diet, but is an Autoimmune disease.

      Reply
  21. Angie@chasingmyhalo says

    November 13, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    So great that you got to know Dennis over FB and share his story! T1D is such a big desk. One of my best friend’s little boy was diagnosed at age 2, and every year I do a JDRF walk with them to raise money and awareness. Still praying for a cure!

    Reply
  22. Anamika Ojha says

    November 13, 2015 at 9:31 pm

    It is really hard for people suffering from Diabetes to take care of their body and follow healthy lifestyle. I know few people in my family who are suffering from Type ii. They have to leave eating sweets and candies. It’s really hard for them. Thanks Shann for creating the awareness.

    Reply
  23. tiarasandtantrums says

    November 13, 2015 at 11:14 pm

    thanks for telling his story – My FIL has diabetes and it is getting quite serious now as he is in his mid 80’s – he really has to watch what he eats!

    Reply
  24. Chanelle says

    November 14, 2015 at 12:18 am

    My kids school just had everyone wear blue for this. It is something that affect many. Adults and children both.

    Reply
  25. Erlene says

    November 14, 2015 at 12:41 am

    I have Type 2 diabetes and had no idea that this month was diabetes awareness month. I was recently diagnosed with it and it’s been tough, but I do notice that I feel so much better when I’m careful with what I eat.

    Reply
  26. Cindy Calzone (Hometown Queen Bee) says

    November 14, 2015 at 1:32 am

    It’s crazy how many people suffer from this. I wish Dennis all the best!

    Reply
  27. Ana De Jesus says

    November 14, 2015 at 6:08 am

    Thank you for raising awareness my aunty has diabetes and my grandma did too so it is important to be knowledgeable about it because like others have said it could happen to anyone.

    Reply
  28. Rosey says

    November 14, 2015 at 8:39 am

    We have a family member who has diabetes too. It’s nice that you’ve given a little insight to it here.

    Reply
  29. Liz Mays says

    November 14, 2015 at 9:30 am

    Coming from him, it it’s so much clearer how it all works and the difference between the two types. I can’t even imagine how difficult it must be to manage, but I guess it’s all about systems.

    Reply
  30. Rachel Mouton says

    November 14, 2015 at 9:53 am

    Diabetes has become such a widespread problem in the United States! Thank you for bringing awareness to it 🙂

    Reply
  31. Shaylee Field says

    November 14, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Diabetes is such a horrible disease. I was told last year that I was pre-diabetic and have been eating healthier and working out ever since to avoid the diagnosis. The good news is my blood sugars are normal now 🙂

    Reply
  32. Claudette Esterine says

    November 14, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Thank you for raising awareness on a dis-ease that afflicts so many. I myself am a Type II diabetic for many years now.

    Reply
  33. AlmostSexyMommy says

    November 14, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    This is such an important topic! When I was a kid, my mom’s best friend was diabetic and had to have her toes amputated, and then, later, her leg all the way to the knee. I also know a little boy who has it, which is just terrible. I really appreciate the clarity on the different types, it can be quite confusing, but Dennis really cleared it right up! Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  34. Nicole Escat says

    November 14, 2015 at 4:49 pm

    I remember my grandfather he was die because of diabetes, I’m so glad that there is a month of diabetes awareness.

    Reply
  35. Sandy Mangis says

    November 14, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Thank you for sharing. I only know a little about this so it was good I info.

    Reply
  36. Elizabeth L says

    November 14, 2015 at 11:43 pm

    It is so important to bring awareness to this disease as so many people have it and many more will be diagnosed in the next couple of years. Thank for sharing Dennis’ story.

    Reply
  37. keatingbartlett says

    November 15, 2015 at 1:13 am

    Great post! It’s so important to share this. My high school boyfriend has diabetes and you really don’t realize how serious it is and how much it affects one’s life until you’re living with it (or with someone who has it). I went to some of his doctors appointments with him and had to learn how to give him insulin and what to do in certain situations. I even spent my 16th birthday in the hospital with him because he had a diabetic seizure that morning. It’s a really serious disease! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  38. Victoria says

    November 15, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Such a important post. Its need to be aware for this disease many people would suffer from diabetes.

    Reply
  39. Nicci says

    November 15, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    Wow, 10x a day for finger pricks? That would hard to get used to. I’m glad Dennis is managing well. Thanks for spreading awareness, and for explaining the difference between Type1 and Type2.

    Reply
  40. Corina Ramos (@NotNowMomsBusy) says

    November 16, 2015 at 7:29 pm

    My parents have Type 1 Diabetes…my mom the longest and it has already affected her eye sight, her kidneys and she’s had part of her left foot amputated.

    I’m so glad you’re spreading awareness because I’ve seen what this disease can do.Thanks for letting Dennis share his story here with us. I wish him many many healthy years. 🙂

    Cori

    Reply
  41. Emily Bastedo (@emilydbastedo) says

    November 18, 2015 at 9:34 am

    Thanks for sharing Dennis’ story and for raising awareness for Diabetes. My grandma suffers from Diabetes and it can be such a painful and destructive disease if not managed properly.

    Reply
  42. jessica says

    November 19, 2015 at 6:49 am

    Thank you for sharing. I was not even aware that November is diabetes month. I love how you put things that some people, like myself do not even think of in full center and you try to make people aware. Thanks Shann

    Reply
  43. livingoffloveandcoffee says

    November 19, 2015 at 1:39 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. I didn’t know it was diabetes awareness month but it something that should be talked about more.

    Reply
  44. Neely (@Neelykins) says

    November 27, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    I dated a guy for a while who was diabetic. I learned so much about it and how scary it can be

    Reply
  45. Jasmine Hewitt says

    November 8, 2016 at 9:09 am

    My brother is type 1 – thank you for sharing and raising awareness!

    Reply
  46. Georgiana says

    November 8, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    It really is a life changing disease. So good that at least it can be managed and people can still live full and productive lives!

    Reply
  47. Stacy- Taylor411 says

    November 8, 2016 at 2:37 pm

    Dennis sounds like he looks on the bright side of everything. Awesome characteristic. That’s great you guys are raising awareness, and I hope the foundation gets all the help they need.

    Reply
  48. Erin Elizabeth Beaupre says

    November 8, 2016 at 2:49 pm

    aww Dennis is so cute! I’m glad you helped share his story and some awareness. November is Lung Cancer Awareness month too – busy month!

    Reply
    • Shann Eva says

      November 13, 2016 at 6:58 pm

      I didn’t realize that! Thank you for telling me, Erin.

      Reply
  49. Ellie Augustin says

    November 8, 2016 at 3:40 pm

    Thank you for sharing this. My mom also in her 50’s when she found out she is diabetic. She has to maintain a diet and just take oral meds and it’s more or less controlled. This is such an important topic to be aware of.

    Reply
  50. Fullest Mom says

    November 10, 2016 at 7:04 am

    Thank you for sharing this story. Diabetes is not easy to deal with, especially if it’s a new diagnosis. Education is the key that will change everything.

    Reply
  51. Shortsweetmom says

    November 11, 2016 at 11:15 am

    Thank you for sharing Dennis’ story and bringing awareness. I have a few friends with type one diabetes and it sure does have its challenges. But thankfully it can be managed.

    Reply
  52. Little Steps says

    November 11, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    I can imagine how difficult it must be to live with diabetes or to witness a loved one suffer from it. Awareness is always good, isn’t it?

    Reply
  53. Colleen Wool says

    November 11, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  54. Megan Zakrewsky says

    November 11, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    T1D is a total life changing diagnosis. Thanks for sharing and bringing awareness to this subject!

    Reply
  55. My Daily She says

    November 11, 2016 at 11:27 pm

    Both of my parents were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. It is so important to understand the disease (and for Type 2, potentially be able to prevent it). Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  56. Jen @ One Small Word says

    November 13, 2016 at 3:20 pm

    Thank you for sharing this! I have a few family members with diabetes and care for it has come a long way!

    Reply
  57. Gabriella says

    November 3, 2017 at 1:03 am

    Thanks for sharing his story! My very close friend has was diagnosed with diabetes since childhood. We grew up together and one day she was in the hospital (I didn’t even know that children the same age as me could be sick enough to go to the hospital). I was like 7 or 8. I think this is great that you are supporting him and raising awareness! I’m so glad to see this 🙂

    Reply

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Shann Hi! I'm a mom, writer, and dancer. I love sharing my parenting experiences, my healthy living tips, my money saving ideas, and our travel plans. My passion to help other women inspired this blog. I hope you'll stay a while and come back often.

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