In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month this November, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation in Colorado is encouraging individuals with Type 1 diabetes to share their personal experiences on social media. Through the campaign hashtag #InMyType1Era, the foundation aims to foster community and raise awareness about the daily challenges faced by those managing the autoimmune condition.
Type 1 diabetes is often confused with Type 2 diabetes, but the two diseases are fundamentally different. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells, leaving the body unable to process sugar. As a result, people with Type 1 diabetes must rely on insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Sydney Lundgren, the Community Outreach Manager at the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, explained the complexity of managing Type 1 diabetes. “I wear a continuous glucose monitor on my arm 24/7, along with an insulin pump on my stomach. It’s a lot of work to keep my blood sugar in check, and if it goes too low, it can lead to seizures or even death,” she said.
Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes involves the body producing insulin, but not in sufficient amounts or efficiently enough to manage blood sugar levels. People with Type 2 diabetes have a range of treatments available, including lifestyle changes, medication, and, in some cases, insulin.
Lundgren also clarified that Type 1 diabetes is not exclusive to children. “You can be diagnosed at any age. Common symptoms to watch for include weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination, which can also present as bed-wetting in children,” she noted.
To highlight the struggles and resilience of those living with Type 1 diabetes, the Children’s Diabetes Foundation is promoting social media posts under the hashtag #InMyType1Era. The goal is to create a sense of solidarity and offer support to individuals facing the challenges of the disease.
Additionally, the foundation has partnered with the Colorado Avalanche to raise awareness at their game on November 15. A portion of ticket sales will benefit patients living with Type 1 diabetes.
As World Diabetes Day approaches on November 14, several Denver landmarks will be illuminated in blue to honor the occasion. Buildings like the City & County of Denver, DaVita Headquarters, Ball Arena, and Elitch Gardens’ Ferris Wheel have participated in this tradition in previous years, helping to highlight the global impact of diabetes.
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