November is Diabetes Awareness Month
A Personal Journey of Awareness, Resilience, and Gratitude
Type 1 diabetes has been a part of my life for more than 38 years.
When I was 7 years old, my mom noticed that I looked tired and no longer wanted to play outside with my sister and friends. This was unusual, especially in July, when school was out and summertime fun was in full swing! My dad also thought I looked like I had lost weight. I had just had a physical exam the week before, and I had lost five pounds. I was also urinating frequently. My mom called Kaiser, and they told her to get me to the hospital immediately.
As a young child living with diabetes, life wasn't always easy, but I didn't let it get me down. One of the best things my parents did was make every effort to help me live as normal a life as possible. As an adult, I've learned to manage my condition, although there have been challenges along the way, including diabetic retinopathy (I have had surgery on both eyes), even though my diabetes has been well controlled.
As we focus on our word of the month, GRATITUDE, I am especially thankful for advances in technology that have made managing diabetes easier. These include insulin pumps, faster-acting insulin, and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), which can measure blood sugar without the need for routine finger pricks.
If you have a family member, friend, or loved one living with diabetes, here are some important things to know.
LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCEMIA)
When blood sugar drops too low, the brain does not receive enough of its primary source of energy. A person may experience:
- Shakiness or sweating
- Dizziness or weakness
- Irritability or mood changes
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
If the person is awake and able to swallow safely, give them 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as:
- 4 ounces (½ cup) of fruit juice or regular (not diet) soda.
- Glucose tablets or glucose gel, following package directions.
Wait 15 minutes and, if possible, check blood sugar again. If it remains low, repeat the process.
IMPORTANT: If someone is unconscious, having a seizure, or unable to swallow safely, DO NOT give them food, liquids, or anything by mouth. Call 911 immediately. If prescribed glucagon is available, someone trained to administer it should follow the product instructions.
Please understand that some people with diabetes recognize the early signs of low blood sugar, while others may not. Just because someone says, "I'm fine," doesn't always mean their blood sugar is fine.
HIGH BLOOD SUGAR (HYPERGLYCEMIA)
High blood sugar can cause several symptoms, including:
- Irritability or mood changes
- Blurry vision
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue, headaches, and generally feeling unwell
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Drinking water can help prevent dehydration. People living with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar and follow their individualized care plan. Physical activity may help lower blood sugar in some circumstances, but exercise is not always appropriate when blood sugar is high, particularly when ketones are present.
Very high blood sugar can lead to a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, or difficulty breathing warrant immediate medical attention.
A FINAL WORD
A diabetes diagnosis is not as ominous as it once was. Advances in treatment, technology, and education have made it possible for people living with diabetes to lead full, active, and productive lives.
Whether you have diabetes, are prediabetic, or have a loved one living with the condition, be vigilant about your health. Learn the signs, ask questions, seek regular medical care, and encourage those around you to do the same.
Awareness is important. Knowledge is empowering. And gratitude for how far we've come is certainly worth celebrating!