This article was originally published on linkedin.com.
“World Diabetes Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes as a critical global public health issue and emphasize the collective and individual actions needed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and management of the condition.”
World Health Organization (WHO)
What is World Diabetes Day?
World Diabetes Day is the global awareness campaign dedicated to both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes! The day focuses on diabetes prevention, management and support. World Diabetes Day is recognized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and celebrated worldwide.
Why November 14? World Diabetes Day is celebrated on November 14 each year to honor the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, one of the two discoverers of insulin. In 1923, Banting sold all of the patents for insulin to the University of Toronto for $1 each stating, “Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world.”
Before 1923, diabetes was a fatal disease. The life expectancy for a child diagnosed with Type 1 was less than one year, following diagnosis. Today, Type 1 diabetics are able to live a full life. Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best changed the lives of diabetics forever.
World Diabetes Day is commemorated with a blue circle. The internationally recognized symbol represents unity in the global fight against diabetes. The day holds many events, educational activities and campaigns worldwide.
My Diagnosis
I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of twelve. I was a rare case, diagnosed within three months of my pancreas shutting down. Most children are diagnosed as a result of a Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening condition that can lead to diabetic coma or even death. Following a diagnosis, most children stay in the “honeymoon phase“, the remission period in which the body produces enough insulin to help control blood sugar levels, for a few months to a year. I was lucky enough to stay in the honeymoon phase for the next five years.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is the lesser known of the two types. It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the pancreas and destroys insulin-producing cells. It is not preventable. Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes due to patients requiring insulin for the rest of their lives. There is currently NOT a cure; only treatment options are available.
Type 1 diabetes most often develops during childhood. It is not caused by lifestyle choices, including dietary habits or exercise levels. Oftentimes, it is the result of a genetic predisposition, but can also be caused by environmental triggers and autoimmune reactions.
Common symptoms upon diagnosis include:
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
- Increased appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Blurry vision
However, all patients are different – some experience many symptoms while others never show a single sign.
My Greatest Source of Strength
At the time of my diagnosis, I received so many resources and support from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), now known as Breakthrough T1D. Upon my arrival to the hospital, I was gifted a “bag of hope.“
This bag of hope was a bookbag from the JDRF that contained:
- Dishing it up Disney Style – A Cookbook for Families with Type 1 Diabetes
- Understanding Diabetes – 13th Edition
- 3 children’s stories about diabetes – including Uptight (Oliver’s All Right)
- A diabetes log
- Pens and pencils
- CalorieKing Book
- Enter the Zone: A Dietary Road Map
- and my absolute favorite gift, Rufus, the Bear with Diabetes
Rufus was the best gift I ever received from the JRDF. Rufus was a teddy bear with diabetes who had marked spots where it is safe to give insulin. He came with his own storybook that had his experience with diabetes and how to treat it. I was able to practice my shots on him before I had to gain the courage to give them to myself.
As a fairly healthy and active 12 year old child, the diagnosis of diabetes was the last thing I expected to hear. The support and resources through the JDRF made it a little easier getting through the initial shock. Over time, diabetes has become something I don’t even think about. I am able to eat the same foods I always have, enjoy the same experiences as everyone else and continue on without it having a major impact on my life.
I encourage you to spend some time today learning more about both Type 1 and Type 2 and the associated risks with each.