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Letter: Educate yourself during National Diabetes Awareness Month

To the editor:

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and Nov. 14 is World Diabetes Day. The World Health Organization "estimates that more than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes." According to the National Institute of health, National Diabetes Statistics:

• Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, non-traumatic lower-limb amputations, and new cases of blindness among adults in the United States.

• Diabetes is a major cause of heart disease and stroke.

• Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

There is more than one type of diabetes but regardless of the type, the result is the same: there are people who need to monitor their blood glucose, eat responsibly and take medication to combat the effects of the disease on their bodies. Each person with diabetes, whether they are type 1, type 2 or LADA (latent auto-immune diabetes) is responsible for their own care; no one else can do it for them.

People with diabetes don't need your pity, sympathy or suggestions. They did not "do this to themselves," especially the babies who are diagnosed with type 1. They do need your support and understanding. How can you help? Educate yourself. Do your best to understand the disease and its many, many nuances. Don't judge. Possibly make a donation to help find a cure.

I'll be wearing blue every Friday in November to help increase awareness of diabetes. It's my hope that some of you will take the time to learn about this disease and possible ways you can help make a difference. Let's find ways to educate others to help them understand that a healthy diet and exercise can make a difference in their lives and reduce their risk of developing type 2. Let's hope for a cure for type 1 diabetes.

If anyone has questions about diabetes and needs help finding answers, feel free to contact me at katecornell282@gmail.com.

Kate Cornell

Person with type 2 diabetes since 2005

Williams


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