November 14th is World Diabetes Day

Nov. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- World Diabetes Day is a United Nations Day that engages millions of people worldwide in diabetes awareness and advocacy. Across West Texas, businesses, homes, and social media pages have turned “blue” in support of fighting diabetes across the world.   Since 1991, World Diabetes Day has brought attention to the growing concerns about escalating complications from diabetes.  To keep this devastating disease in the public eye, will be experienced in more than 160 countries , organizations such as JDRF, and all Member States of the United Nations.  

Taking place during Diabetes Awareness Month, World Diabetes Day punctuates the month with a worldwide focus on diabetes education.  Locally, the Panhandle Branch of JDRF has put a spotlight on diabetes with T1Day, November 1st, and “Blue Fridays” where employees donate to JDRF in exchange for wearing Jeans on Fridays.  Others have created blue t-shirts with the names of their loved ones who are affected by diabetes. JDRF has made a phone ap available so individuals can take the T1D for a Day Challenge.  When you sign up for the T1D for a Day text challenge, you agree to receive as many as 24 text messages over a 24-hour period that simulate the constant blood sugar testing, insulin injections, and dietary decisions that confront people with T1D (while JDRF does not charge to use this service, standard text messaging rates apply). Those interested can Text T1D4ADAY to 63566. They will receive a confirmation text that completes registration. They can also access the ap at jdrf.org.

T1D, formerly known as “juvenile diabetes” affects adults and children of all ages.  There is no cure for T1D.  The onset of T1D does not have anything to do with lifestyle or diet.  This disease affects nearly 15,000 residents in West Texas and diagnoses are climbing.  Children ages 1-5 are being diagnosed at rates 5% higher than in past years.  

There is no cure for T1D.  Those affected are not able to effectively control their diabetes with a pill-form of insulin or eliminate the disease from their life with lifestyle changes. Injectable insulin is not a cure, but it is necessary to keep those with T1D alive.