To me, November is a lot more than good weather and turkey. November is American Diabetes Month, and as a Type 1 Diabetic for almost a year, I find it’s very important to use my online presence to inform as many people as possible about what exactly this disease is. I’m not trying to evoke any sort of sympathy; as a nation, however, we are sadly uninformed as to the origins and side-effects of the disease.
Type 1 Diabetes isn't preventable, so the research and funds to finding a cure are vital. Referred to as “Juvenile Diabetes” because it typically strikes in children, T1D comes out of nowhere, and can be triggered by as little as a cold. At the very least, I’d like to see a world where the disease no longer exists - where we can stop it from developing before it begins. Even if I’m stuck with it for life - no one else should have to go through the same.
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Type 2 Diabetes, while preventable, is on the rise in American children. This branch of the disease is marked by it’s effects primarily on adults. With obesity on the rise in young Americans, however, it’s important to keep looking into ways to prevent it from taking effect earlier.
Dealing with high and low blood sugars are only part of your worries as a Type 1 Diabetic - long term high sugar levels result in vision problems, migraines, and even death. Lows can cause death in the short term. While it is a manageable condition, diabetics constantly walk a thin line between high and low, with perfect maintenance ever on their minds.
November, every year, serves a reminder to most to be thankful for everything they've been given over the past year. We can easily lose sight of that, however, a midst all of the scramble and excitement over turkey and stuffing.
But this November, I urge you to do more than that - I urge you to show love to a diabetic in your life. We keep it under wraps, and might seem in control, but it’s a daily struggle. It’s as simple as getting informed, and showing you care.
