This month is host to several annual health awareness campaigns. Movember participants are growing beards to raise money for men’s health, while others are doing what they can to bring attention to diabetes research and treatments.
What’s the deal with diabetes?
Type I diabetes is a lifelong genetic disorder occurring when a person’s pancreas cannot produce insulin. People with Type I must monitor their blood sugar and take injections of insulin every day. Exercise and a healthy diet aid in the care.
Although young people are increasingly diagnosed, Type II diabetes usually develops in adults. The disease is correlated with lifestyle factors such as a lack of exercise and poor diet. People with Type II monitor their blood sugar and take oral medication every day. With proper exercise and diet, Type II can be eliminated.
Who’s advocating for diabetes research?
Several groups are working to raise funds for diabetes research and spread the word about diabetes, informing people about the causes, symptoms and long-term risks. For example, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) website shares news about diabetes, opportunities to volunteer, ways to donate and more. ADA’s largest fundraising event is the Tour De Cure in which thousands of people ride bicycles to raise money for diabetes research. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is geared toward research for Type I diabetes, and the organization hosts Walk to Cure to raise funds.
Dedicated advocates – who build informative websites, organize fundraisers and tirelessly support a cause – are commendable. The world might not know everything there is to know about men’s health or diabetes, but effort put forth by these communicators is reaching new people each day.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, show thanks for good health by contributing to a health awareness campaign in your neighborhood.
Do you participate in Diabetes Awareness Month or other awareness campaigns?