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.
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.
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.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes
How you can Help
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
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
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!
Thanks for the information. My grandfather has Diabetes and it is nice to know other peoples struggles and stories to increase awareness and understanding.
Thanks for sharing! It’s sometimes hard to sympathize with people when you don’t know all that the go through.
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.
Thank you Dennis for sharing and advocating for such an important cause!
People need to be aware of these disease. Thanks for sharring.
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!
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.
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!
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diabetes is something that society needs to be more aware of and understand better. i hope this will help others understand
This is a very education post. Thank you so much for sharing and let us be aware.
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.
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!
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.
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
Several people in my family suffer with diabetes it’s a difficult thing to always be dealing with.
Thanks for sharing! My cousin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes last year, and I have just started really learning about it.
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!
Type 1 is not a result of your diet, but is an Autoimmune disease.
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!
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.
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!
My kids school just had everyone wear blue for this. It is something that affect many. Adults and children both.
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.
It’s crazy how many people suffer from this. I wish Dennis all the best!
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.
We have a family member who has diabetes too. It’s nice that you’ve given a little insight to it here.
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.
Diabetes has become such a widespread problem in the United States! Thank you for bringing awareness to it 🙂
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 🙂
Thank you for raising awareness on a dis-ease that afflicts so many. I myself am a Type II diabetic for many years now.
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 🙂
I remember my grandfather he was die because of diabetes, I’m so glad that there is a month of diabetes awareness.
Thank you for sharing. I only know a little about this so it was good I info.
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.
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!
Such a important post. Its need to be aware for this disease many people would suffer from diabetes.
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.
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
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.
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
Thank you for sharing this. I didn’t know it was diabetes awareness month but it something that should be talked about more.
I dated a guy for a while who was diabetic. I learned so much about it and how scary it can be
My brother is type 1 – thank you for sharing and raising awareness!
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!
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.
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!
I didn’t realize that! Thank you for telling me, Erin.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Thanks for sharing
T1D is a total life changing diagnosis. Thanks for sharing and bringing awareness to this subject!
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!
Thank you for sharing this! I have a few family members with diabetes and care for it has come a long way!
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 🙂