Diabetes Awareness

Articles

Nov 1

World Diabetes Day is recognized on November 14 each year to spread awareness and help more people understand what diabetes is and how it affects individuals. An organization called Beyond Type 1 is enacting communities to help make this happen in an impactful way.

“Beyond Type 1 is a nonprofit organization changing what it means to live with diabetes. Through platforms, programs, resources, and grants, Beyond Type 1 is uniting the global diabetes community and providing solutions to improve lives today. Founded in 2015 with a focus on education, advocacy and the path to a cure for Type 1 diabetes, Beyond Type 1 has grown to also include programs for those with Type 2 diabetes. A new model of philanthropy, Beyond Type 1 aims to change what it means to live with chronic illness.”
beyondtype1.org

Their campaign for #thedropspotted is one way you can get involved in spreading the word. The icon of the “drop” is a symbol to represent diabetes awareness and Beyond Type 1 aims to spread the word through more understanding about living with this disease. They encourage everyone to add the drop graphic to their photo on social platforms and to share things about living with diabetes like how many times a day a person with diabetes thinks about their blood sugar levels. Share your #thedropspotted photo and call on your friends, families, and colleagues to show their support!

Different Forms of Diabetes

Most people are familiar with or have at least heard of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but did you know that there are around ten different types or ways diabetes can affect someone?

Type 1

Previously called juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disorder which affects how the body produces the hormone involved with regulating blood sugar — insulin. This hormone allows the body to use the sugar in the bloodstream for energy and without it, the body is unable to do so. Usually, those with Type 1 diabetes will be dependent on outside insulin for their lifetime. About 10% of cases of diabetes are Type 1.

Type 2

Type 2 diabetes affects how the body is able to use insulin. It is described as an insulin-resistance, meaning the body rejects using the insulin to regulate sugar in the bloodstream as it should, which can cause many complications and have negative affects. About 90% of cases of diabetes are Type 2. Although neither types of diabetes have a cure, Type 2 diabetes can be managed but may still present significant challenges.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)

High levels of glucose in the blood while a woman is pregnant is a form of diabetes called Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Most of the time, the glucose levels in the blood rise due to a lack of insulin production while the body is exhibiting insulin resistance. Because it can cause issues with pregnancy, it is important to detect as early as possible. Your healthcare professional can administer a blood glucose level test to determine if there are any concerns with developing GDM.

Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA)

A form of diabetes that is more rare, Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults is often characterized by a late onset, or symptoms presenting later in life. Typically, this form of diabetes progresses slowly over time, and often results in an eventual need for supplemental insulin.

Monogenic Diabetes

Exhibiting both symptoms from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Monogenic Diabetes can appear similarly but actually would follow a different course of treatment. There are differences in how this form of diabetes involves insulin, and depending on the specific case, treatment or management will vary. MODY (as it is abbreviated) is often inherited and related to genetics rather than environmental or lifestyle factors.

Diabetes and Children

Type 1 Diabetes can occur in children due to factors in genetics and family history, or from exposure to certain viruses. Because the child’s body does not produce insulin, it needs to be replaced for proper body function. It can be difficult for parents and families to adjust to the new normal of insulin injections, monitoring diet restrictions, and focusing on blood sugar. Although there is no cure existing for Type 1 diabetes, there are ways of managing and living with this disease with increasing medical advances to improve the quality of life for those managing the chronic disease.

Managing Diabetes

Your child’s doctor and healthcare professionals can help you develop a plan to manage diabetes together. Typically, a treatment plan can include regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and taking supplemental insulin. There are varying forms of insulin injections and blood glucose monitoring options, and it is important that parents talk with their trusted healthcare team to determine what is best for their specific needs.

Because diabetes can have a relational affect on other body functions, it is important to detect as early as possible. Working with a therapist for issues related to diabetes is something your healthcare professionals can recommend for your individual circumstance. Contact Tilton’s Therapy for Tots for all your pediatric occupational, physical, and speech therapy needs. Our teams operate in Southern and Northern Nevada, Oregon, and Hawaii for communities in need of therapeutic intervention for their children.

Read about other factors involved in chronic illness or get some functional activities you can do at home with your family! Check out our related activities and articles as well as additional resources below.