Fact for the day and D Blog Day

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(NaBloPoMo Day 9)

One question I have gotten frequently when people hear that The Superhero has Diabetes is "He will outgrow it though, right?" or I hear "Oh, you mean he will still have to do this when he is older?"

I hate that.

T1 Diabetes used to be called "juvenile diabetes". This term is not used as much any more. I think once T2 Diabetes became SO common, they just labeled them T1 and T2.

Now don't get me wrong, I have nothing against those of you who are T2 people. I just hate that T2 often gets lumped together with T1. They are not the same disease and are treated differently.

The Superhero will NEVER outgrow or overcome his Diabetes. It is a disease that will last FOREVER. Period. (unless of course we get our CURE)

The "roll" of facts is below...
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Today is D Blog Day. D-blog Day was started on November 9th 2005 during Diabetes Awareness Month, to help unite diabetes bloggers and create awareness about diabetes. It was created by Gina Capone - your diabetes BFF. You can read more about Gina at her blog! (Thanks Hallie, I stole your intro too)


As part of the 6th Annual D-Blog Day I have listed the top 6 things I want YOU to know about Diabetes...

1) The Superhero did NOT get Diabetes from eating too much sugar.

2) The Superhero MUST receive insulin in order to survive. He would DIE without it.

3) Diabetes NEVER sleeps, and neither do we. We check The Superhero every few hours, around the clock, every.single.day.

4) The Superhero CAN eat ANYTHING (within reason) he wants.

5) Don't judge our management of The Superhero's disease. Every person with Diabetes manages the disease differently. Not one way is better than another. Each person with Diabetes is an individual and needs to be treated as such.

6) The Superhero will NOT outgrow his Diabetes. Ever.


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Diabetes Fact #9: The term "Juvenile Diabetes" is outdated. We now call it "T1 Diabetes" or "Insulin Dependent Diabetes". People with this type of Diabetes will NEVER outgrow it. EVER. They will have this relentless disease until a CURE is found.

Diabetes Fact #8: A cure would be great, but a long life without complications is a close second for people with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #7: Diabetes kills more people each year than cancer and AIDS combined. It is serious. We NEED a cure!

Diabetes Fact #6: While people with T1 Diabetes strive for blood glucose (BG) numbers from 80-120, it is NOT uncommon to see numbers MUCH lower or MUCH higher. There are SO many factors that go into each number and it is very challenging to see readings that are “in range” for EVERY reading.

Diabetes Fact #5: Type 1 Diabetes strikes 15,000 children every year in the US. That's 40 children per day. On July 10, 2008 The Superhero was one of the 40. Today, it could be YOUR child, or someone you know. This is why it is SO important to take the time to learn about the disease.

Diabetes Fact #4: Type 1 Diabetics may take insulin through syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. What they use is a reflection of their choice and/or finances, NOT disease severity.

Diabetes Fact #3: People with Diabetes CAN eat anything they want as long as they match the carbohydrates with insulin.

Diabetes Fact #2: T1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or being over weight. It IS an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Fact #1: T1 Diabetes CANNOT be treated with medication. The only way to manage T1 Diabetes is with insulin. Without insulin, T1 Diabetics would die. Period.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*