Let's Take Control of Diabetes. Now.

Let's Take Control of Diabetes. Now.  Diabetes Education and Prevention is the World Diabetes Day theme for the period 2009-2013. (Visit worlddiabetesday.org for more information on World Diabetes Day.)

Today, nearly 24 million Americans have diabetes, and thousands more are diagnosed each day. During National Diabetes Month, we recommit to educating Americans about the risk factors and warning signs of diabetes, and we honor all those living with or lost to this disease.

(Quote taken from the October 29, 2010 Presidential Proclamation on National Diabetes Month.)

I am excited that the White House is commited to educating Americans about diabetes.  I would like to do my part in taking control of diabetes too. I think that education is a great place to start. When I start thinking about the need for educating others about diabetes...my mind instantly goes to this video of the Kuehl family that I viewed about a month ago. Please take a few minutes to watch their story.

Education is Key!  So, today, I would like to share with you the Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes.  I admit that, before February 10, 2009, I was not aware of these warning signs.  I thank God every day that I followed my instincts that day.  I kept wavering back and forth, "maybe she's coming down with the flu or some other virus."  Thank goodness that I went with that gut feeling that something was just not right.

The Warning Signs of Type 1 Diabetes may occur suddenly and include:
•Extreme thirst
•Frequent urination
•Drowsiness or lethargy
•Increased appetite
•Sudden weight loss
•Sudden vision changes
•Sugar in the urine
•Fruity odor on the breath
•Heavy or labored breathing
•Stupor or unconsciousness


Please share theses warning signs with your loved ones!

Read more about Type 1 Diabetes from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation HERE.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2010 as National Diabetes Month. I call upon all Americans, school systems, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to join in activities that raise diabetes awareness and help prevent, treat, and manage the disease.

Click on this link to read the Presidential Proclamation in its entirety:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/10/29/presidential-proclamation-national-diabetes-month


**Late adding this link, but you should also visit Tracy at The Superhero and The Princess and read her  One of the 40... post for more great information about warning signs of Type 1 Diabetes.

Google, Please light your Doodle blue!

Have you signed the Google Doodle petition yet?  Won't you join me in asking Google for a World Diabetes Day Doodle?  Hurry though, because World Diabetes Day is November 14.

The petition reads as follows:

There are more than a 1/4 billion people with diabetes in the world. Tens of millions are undiagnosed. Over a hundred million more will be diagnosed in their lifetimes.

We kindly request that Google light their home page doodle in blue to raise awareness for World Diabetes Day this coming November 14.

Please add your name to this petition and tell as many people as you can about it.

P.S. You can see examples of previous doodles on this page:
http://www.google.com/holidaylogos.html

I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes just a few seconds of your time.

"Ask Google for a World Diabetes Day Doodle"

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/diabetes_doodle/

Thanks!

What is that Blue Circle you SAE?

November is Diabetes Awareness month.

Thank you, Sarah, for getting the ball blue circle rolling!  It was her idea to kick off Diabetes Awarenss Month with SAE DAY! (pronounced "say")  A day to intentionally SUPPORT, ADVOCATE, and EDUCATE the world about diabetes....or at least a day to come up with a plan, act on ideas, or step things up a notch!

I am going to make every effort to SUPPORT, ADVOCATE, and EDUCATE you all about diabetes this month.  However, I am not quite the superhero rockstars that Jen, Wendy, Hallie, Donna, Tracy, Meri, Lora, Kristi, Nicole, Heather, Leighann, and Rachael are....just SAEing!  You see, they are participating in NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month).  Let me know if you are NaBloPoMo-ing it too this month so that I can be sure to SUPPORT by reading your blogs.

So, today I will start by answering the question that I know some of you are asking....

What is that blue circle?

(The following description is taken from diabetesbluecircle.org.)

What is the history of the blue circle?

The icon was developed originally for the campaign for a UN Resolution on diabetes.

The campaign for a United Nations Resolution on diabetes was a response to the diabetes pandemic that is set to overwhelm healthcare resources everywhere. The campaign mobilised diabetes stakeholders behind the common cause of securing a United Nations Resolution on diabetes. The United Nations passed Resolution 61/255 ‘World Diabetes Day’ on December 20th 2006.


Why a circle?

The circle occurs frequently in nature and has thus been widely employed since the dawn of humankind. The significance is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle can symbolize life and health. Most significantly for the campaign, the circle symbolizes unity. Our combined strength is the key element that made this campaign so special. The global diabetes community came together to support a United Nations Resolution on diabetes and needs to remain united to make a difference. As we all know: to do nothing is no longer an option.


Why blue?

The blue border of the circle reflects the colour of the sky and the flag of the United Nations. The United Nations is in itself a symbol of unity amongst nations and is the only organization that can signal to governments everywhere that it is time to fight diabetes and reverse the global trends that will impede economic development and cause so much suffering and premature death.


If you'd like to help spread awareness of diabetes and don a blue circle...check out worlddiabetesday.org.