BY EMILY LUCIA
November is National Diabetes Month, and diabetics around the world are raising awareness. On social media, organizations like Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and American Diabetes Association are creating posts and hosting other events to raise awareness as well as crush the many misconceptions surrounding diabetes.
First of all, there are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin; whereas, Type 2 because it produces too much insulin. Another misconception is that you can get diabetes from eating too much candy. This is not the case. There are many causes to each type of diabetes. While Type 2 is largely credited to an unhealthy lifestyle, Type 1 is caused largely by genetic factors.
Being diagnosed with diabetes is a complete lifestyle change. Type 1 diabetics (T1D) have to adjust to insulin, while Type 2 diabetics (T2D) have to consume a pill every day. People with both types, however, still have to change their diet and work around a certain number of carbohydrates, and exercise is encouraged. For a diabetic, diabetes is a chore.
While there is not a cure just yet, organizations like JDRF hold events such as the Tour de Cure to raise money to fund research for a cure.
So what can you do?
JDRF has several campaigns going on right now, all of which help raise awareness and funds for diabetes. One campaign involves members of social media sites to change their profile pictures to the official JDRF “Type One, Type None” photo.
Being knowledgeable about diabetes is another thing you can do; you can find more facts on the JDRF and American Diabetes Association websites.
And finally, donate. Diabetes isn’t one of those topics that can be pushed to the side. While it can be managed, complications can still arise and people can still die from it. By donating to JDRF or The American Diabetes Association, your money will contribute to finding a cure.
In addition, every Friday of November and on World Diabetes Day, which was Nov. 14th, you can join millions of people around the world by wearing light blue in support of Type 1 Diabetics.