Friday, November 14, 2008

NaBloPoMo - Entry 14

Did you know that today is World Diabetes Day?

Diabetes is a disease that is either something that someone is born with OR is something that can develop due to life choices.

My father has adult onset diabetes. He was diagnosed when I was a teenager. He didn't make the best choices in life. He ate a lot. He ate a lot of fatty foods. He didn't exercise. And the result? Diabetes. He has to check his insulin levels in the morning before breakfast and in the late afternoon before dinner. When he travels, he has to carry his injection kit with him. Since he didn't take good care of himself when he was young and vital, he is not in the best health now. My Dad isn't the only one in our family who has diabetes either. The Hubs maternal grandmother had diabetes. My BIL's 11-year-old nephew (his sister's son) was diagnosed with it earlier this year.

Now that we're on the verge of possibly getting a national healthcare program, we ALL have to consider how widespread diabetes is throughout the United States.

It's one thing to be born with diabetes. It's another thing entirely when you make poor life decisions (like my Dad) and develop diabetes. My Dad could have prevented this disease from being such a major part of his life. He has other health problems, but the diabetes issue always has to be taken into consideration when medications for his other health issues are prescribed. [sigh] It's a battle to balance it all.

So if you know someone who is making some poor life choices that will contribute to the possibility of developing diabetes? Please try to help that person. Help them move a little more. Help them select a better food option. Anything. Diabetes isn't a one time issue. It stays with someone for the rest of their lives.

If you'd like to donate to help children with diabetes, please do so.

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