Today launches Blogging For A Cure so go on over to Blogger and get a free blog so you can join us as we blog for a cure for diabetes throughout the month of November - American Diabetes Month! Why?
Nearly 16-million Americans suffer from diabetes, but many who may be at risk still are not aware of the disease.
There are two types: Type 1 (insulin dependent) and Type 2 (adult onset). Insulin dependent diabetics must take insulin injections simply to stay alive, while those who suffer from Type 2 Diabetes often depend upon pills and exercise to regulate their diabetic blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Suffering from diabetes for many Americans continues because of the horrible side effects of this disease. What kind of side effects? Untraumatic limb removal, poor circulation, blindness, kidney failure, heart disease and numerous other negative possibilities that can create quite a bit of suffering for an unlucky, or unhealthy, diabetic.
I've had diabetes since I was one year old. It was inflicted, my family believes, by a virus I caught when I was a baby. I have given myself insulin injections since I was 12 and I have petitioned for a cure for diabetes in the past, and I even testified before Congress, asking for increased diabetes cure research funding.
Does Congress ever listen? Well, yes, but not completely, as not all diabetic-related issues are given serious consideration. Diabetics still are rarely allowed to inject insulin in public schools, for example, without fighting their school district, even though it is a necessity for them to live a balanced and healthy life.
This is why diabetics, friends of diabetics, family members of diabetics and even those who are compassionate enough to stand up for diabetics to stand up and be counted.
Article comments
1 - Natalie Davis
Great job, John!
2 - Ellen
My child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 15 months old. Diabetes is a relentless disease with potential debilitating and devastating consequences. Entirely too much research is spent on improving technology for living with diabetes, rather than CURING it. Enough rodents have been cured of diabetes...the government needs to invest in CURING HUMANS of TYPE 1 and TYPE 2 DIABETES.
I support the Diabetes Research Institute in Miami, Florida, whose sole focus is to cure Type 1 diabetes. www.drinet.org
3 - Eric Olsen
thanks Ellen, that makes total sense to me, best of luck to you and your child
4 - cure diabetes
This is a great idea - diabetes awareness needs increasing - the cost to all of us (not just diabetics) is enormous.
5 - DiabetesBracelet
Everyone should be aware of how hard it is to be a diabetic. Two of my children are Type I diabetics and diabetes rules our lives. We are just so grateful that there are researchers working on a cure because that makes diabetes a very hopeful disease. To help raise money for a cure we have developed Diabetes - Hoping for a cure rubber wristband bracelets. Visit our website and gets yours today! www.diabetesbracelet.com
6 - Abby
Thank you for your wonderful blog.
I believe it is of utmost importance to find a cure for diabetes. It is truly a devastating and debilitating disease.My father was diabetic for more than 20 years, in the end, he died from a heart attack and kidney failure. He was only 55, absolutely brillant (and it was not only my family and friends who think this) and had so much to offer
our country.
7 - Kurt
I was diagnosed in 1991 with Type I diabetes. At that time, I lost my job as a commercial pilot, lost my house, dog, wife, everything. I lived in a tent north of the 45 parallel for years. I stole insulin, ate food from dumpsters, survived by my wits alone.
There will not be a cure for this disease in my lifetime. I'm ready to go. Please God forgive me.