What is Diabetes?

Many times the word diabetes is associated with the words sugar and insulin. But what does diabetes really mean? Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce any or enough insulin, which results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood. There are two different types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 Diabetes is when the body does not produce insulin. Type 2 Diabetes is when the body does not use insulin properly. This is called insulin resistance.

I’m sure your initial thought is that I must be diabetic, why else would I be so educated and passionate about diabetes. However, that is not the case. When I was seven, my mom was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, meaning she is dependent on insulin to live. For the past 17 years of my life I have watched my mom struggle with this disease.  I have witnessed her sugar level at its highest, and at its lowest, which are both extremely life threatening.

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for diabetes.  There have been advancements in treatments and breakthroughs over the years, but no proven cure. Every morning I watch my mom poke her finger to test her blood sugar, and then proceed to inject herself with insulin, then again before dinner. This has become her way of life. My mom is just 1 of 29 billion that battle this disease every day. I am a firm believer that, Together We Can Stop Diabetes!

Meet my Mom, She is my Best Friend, and Biggest Supporter!