JDRF to the Rescue

Have you ever wondered how you can help individuals with diabetes, although you yourself may not have the disease? Well, wonder no more!

The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to finding a cure for type 1 diabetes. It was established in 1970 and houses its headquarters right here in New York. The foundation has chapters all over the country along with seven international affiliations, and sponsors research in seventeen different countries, as well. As part of their yearly fundraising efforts, JDRF hosts two yearly public events in the United States. Ride for the Cure and Walk for the Cure. In both of these fundraisers, participants sign up and raise money, then actually ride a bike or walk an established route on the day of the event. Last year, my family and I raised over $3500.00 for the foundation and had an incredible time participating in the walk.  

As a person who does not suffer from T1D, you can always lend a listening ear or compassionate attitude to those who do. That kindness goes a long way. To help in a more tangible way, donations to the foundation will aid in their ongoing and new research projects in an attempt to find a cure. JDRF has created technology that has been life altering for people with T1D, including the artificial pancreas, which is an external device that continuously monitors glucose levels and pumps insulin into the body when necessary. 

Walk for the Cure 2016

It is not hard to get involved with the diabetic community. You can fundraise, donate, volunteer and advocate locally or on a national level. There are chapters in each state and events you can attend to educate others or become more knowledgeable yourself. So don't wait! Get involved with JDRF today!

Information Saves Lives

As type 1 diabetes intrudes on the daily life of my family, I am compelled to learn as much as I can about it and share with others the beneficial information that I obtain.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is usually diagnosed for a person ranging in age from infancy to late 30s, but the disease can occur at any age. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a pancreas that produces little to no insulin, with the body’s immune system destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Individuals who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes have to manage their diet and exercise habits, as well as inject insulin several times daily.

Diabetes is a chronic health condition, but can be managed with proper medical care. It is important for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels several times a day, usually before or after meals. Blood sugar or glucose levels are the amount of glucose present in a person’s blood. Glucose is a chief source of energy for cells in the body and is converted into by the carbohydrates that we eat, such as fruit, cereal, bread, pasta, and rice. Regularly checking blood sugar or glucose levels is a major component of diabetes care. A normal blood sugar range is between 70 and 120 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

The warning signs for type 1 diabetes should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought if one experiences the following symptoms:

·         Extreme thirst

·         Frequent urination

·         Drowsiness and lethargy

·         Sugar in urine

·         Sudden vision changes

·         Increased appetite

·         Sudden weight loss

·         Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath

·         Heavy, labored breathing

·         Stupor or unconsciousness

                                                 JDRF.org

As my eleven-year-old son continues to live with type 1 diabetes, I continue to learn about it. I hope this information is useful and can help someone out there who is battling with this chronic illness.