I live with a type of diabetes that cannot be prevented or reversed. My diet or weight as a five year old had nothing at all to do with why I was diagnosed. I have taken insulin every day for the past 30 years to stay alive. Eating right and exercising of course helps me stay healthy overall and does improve my blood sugar readings but it will not get rid of my diabetes. There are about 900,000+ other people in the US alone who are in the same boat as me. But that is only 5% of the diabetic population. There are approximately 18 million more people in the US who have type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is when the body does not produce enough insulin or does not utilize it properly. It is sometimes linked to diet and(or) lifestyle. There are different treatment options for type 2 diabetes depending on each case, including diet and exercise, oral medication and insulin.
The CDC estimates that there are an additional 7 million people in the US that have diabetes and do not know it. That is an astounding number. Any type of diabetes is no joke. But you can live a fulfilling life with diabetes as long as you get the medical care you need. Today is American Diabetes Association Alert Day. If you aren’t already living with diabetes, please take a few minutes to take the ADA’s risk test for type 2. And share it with your friends and family members. Early diagnosis is crucial. I was extremely fortunate to have parents who recognized the symptoms before I was even sick. And I am certain that has helped me maintain a life of diabetes with minimal complications up to this point. Knowledge is power when it comes to anyone’s health. And if you or someone you love happens to be diagnosed with diabetes, know that there is an extraordinary community waiting to help you.
The Girl with the Portable Pancreas 
It is so important to educate people about diabetes! I was in severe DKA and attributing all my symptoms to having been on study abroad right before I was diagnosed. I almost died! I never thought to get tested because I didn’t really know what Type 1 was versus Type 2 and had always been so healthy. Nice post! let’s get the word out! 🙂
Thanks for helping to spread the word, Stacey. I, too, often think of myself as lucky for being diagnosed so young and also having parents who saw the signs of D and reacted immediately. Anyhow, it’s so important to get the awareness out there to those who need it.
Hi!
I just came across your blog and I love what I see!
Getting people properly informed is a very important issue. I am Greek, and unfortunately people in my country have no idea what diabetes is.. What is even worse is that people who have dianetes often hide it! False information and uninformed people’s looks have made them feel ashamed of being who they are. As a diabetic myself I find that something more than just wrong or horrible!!!
In a conversation I had with a local coffee shop owner (I live in a pretty small town), he got very interested in learning more about diabetes and was shocked when he realized how little he knew. So, to get to the point, we are now in the process of discussing hosting in November a “Diabetes Awareness Month” in his shop! Myself and other diabetics, even doctors, will be there to answer questions to anyone interested in knowing what all the blue ribbons stand for!
It may not be much, but I think it’s a start! And I’m pretty excited about it! Wish us luck! And keep on the great job you are doing here!