Diabetes Awareness Month
November is Diabetes Awareness Month.
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases where the body’s pancreas does not produce enough insulin or does not properly respond to insulin produced, resulting in high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. There are several different types of diabetes, but the most common forms are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Both impact glucose levels, and if left untreated, can cause many complications.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) can occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed from infancy to late 30s. If a person is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, their pancreas produces little to no insulin, and the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
T1D Warning Signs:
- Headaches
- Weight Loss
- Blurry Vision
- Extreme Thirst
- Frequent Urination
- Increased Appetite
- Fruity Breath Odor
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Rapid Deep Breathing
Those diagnosed with type 1 diabetes must inject insulin several times every day or continually infuse insulin through a pump, as well as manage their diet and exercise habits.
Researchers are still trying to get a clear picture of what causes diabetes—they’ve found that genes don’t tell the whole story, and that environmental factors also play a role.
There is also a misconception that the cause of diabetes is hereditary, and primarily occurs in families where there is someone else with diabetes.
Diabetes Awareness Month Interview:
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In addition to be a radio personality, "Scary" Terry Stevens is a Type I Diabetic. Listen in on his chat with Dana & Julie from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation as they talk about the symptoms you need to look out for, and the strategy for surviving a zombie apocalypse as a Type I Diabetic.