Wednesday 14 November 2012

World Diabetes Day

Today is World Diabetes Day.  It is also the birthday of Banting who discovered insulin could keep people with diabetes alive.  Insulin is not a cure, it is as necessary to Rachael as breathing.  One day, hopefully, there will be a cure - a real cure that means people with diabetes don't have to put up with finger pricks, injections, feeling rubbish because blood sugars are too high or too low, discrimination and the stupid questions.
  • Type 1 diabetes is NOT caused by too much sugar.
  • Type 1 diabetes is NOT caused by being overweight.
  • Type 1 diabetes is NOT caused by lack of exercise.
  • Type 1 diabetes IS an auto immune condition.  The pancreas stops working - or at least the bit that regulates insulin.
Over the years we have had some right daft comments/questions.  Answers (or thoughts!) have included:
  • No, she will not grow out of it.
  • No, it's not the bad/serious kind - all diabetes is serious/bad.
  • Yes, she will need injections every day for the rest of her life - unless we find a cure.
  • Of course you could could give injections if you had to, the alternative is to let your child die.
  • No there is no family history. Why? Does yours have a history of stupidity?
So I would ask in these days of recession/double dip/austerity or whatever we are in today that if you can spend £$5.00 on a sandwich and a coffee on your way to work, can you please spare £$5.00 for JDRF to find a cure.  One day they will and it may be your child, grandchild or great grandchild that benefits from it.

OK rant over...normal service will be resumed tomorrow!!

10 comments:

Nicola said...

Its good to get it off your chest.

I found the post interesting.

Robin said...

Well posted.

Unknown said...

Thank you for posting - this is a great post. Well said

Lesleyanne said...

I quite agree. Because I look alright on the outside and don't tend to whinge much I sometimes feel quite yuck but carry on regardless. I am Type 2 diabetic who although not on insulin I do inject myself everyday. I can't imagine how hard it much be for your daughter and you to deal with.

Christine said...

Hear hear! My father was diabetic so I can sympathise

Mii Stitch said...

Don't worry, that was a nice little rant!!

Jo who can't think of a clever nickname said...

Good Post!

But "is there a family history" isn't necessarily a stupid question. I honestly don't know if diabetes is hereditary or not. I'm guessing it isn't!! But so many things do have a genetic component I'd forgive someone who asked it.

I do think it's important to raise awareness of these things, especially the "invisible" ones.

Minnie said...

Great rant, keep it up, make people aware. I have type 2 diabetes and have a sister who has type 1 from the age of 13. The doctors told my mother back than that she wouldn't live past her 20's, she is now 66. It is time for a cure.

Shirlee said...

Great post Sharon! I learned a thing or two : )

Lindsay said...

Did you know there is a blood test the Doc's can do to check if it's hereditary or not and if it it means things like travel insurance can be cheaper in the future.
My Doc did the test on me because I'm diabetic and so is my Dad, his sister and his Mum all are/were