November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and this disease is not an easy one to handle. Diabetes causes long term effects on the body, heart, eyes, kidneys, and digestive system. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 is a condition in which the pancreas produces none or very little insulin. Many factors contribute to type 1, such as genetics and contact with certain viruses. This type usually appears during childhood, but it can show up in adults.
Diabetes, unfortunately, has no cure; however, it can be managed. Students at BHS struggle with this type of diabetes, one of them being Katye Gibson.
“I have type 1 diabetes. This is where the pancreas shuts down and it is what produces insulin, but mine does not. So, I wear an insulin pump and it helps to control my sugar. I developed it four years ago, and it has resulted in many more responsibilities that I have to face,” said Gibson.
Type 2 diabetes is the condition that affects the way the body metabolizes sugar. With this, the body either resists the effects of insulin, or does not produce enough to maintain a normal sugar level. Even though this diabetes is often found in adults, it also occurs in children who face childhood obesity.
Like type 1, there is no cure, but there is a way to cope with it, such as exercising, eating nourishing meals, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Many people fight the battle with diabetes. Support those who are fighting it and show them that they are not alone by wearing a gray ribbon on November 14.