الخميس، 2 يونيو 2016

الأربعاء، 1 يونيو 2016

Swimming, Archery and Empowerment: Lisa and Nichole’s Diabetes Camp Story

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The American Diabetes Association® is proud to offer Diabetes Camps as a way for children living with diabetes to just be kids and enjoy traditional summer camp activities—all while learning important diabetes self-management skills from trained medical professionals and gaining self-confidence by spending time with peers who also live with diabetes.

This story comes from Lisa Savoy, whose daughter Nichole has attended Diabetes Camp three times. Read on—then find out how to become a Camp Champion.


From left to right: Nichole, Gary, Lisa and Ryan Savoy

From left to right: Nichole, Gary, Lisa and Ryan Savoy

How do I even begin to explain what a life-changing experience Camp Carefree was for my daughter? Nichole was diagnosed with type 1 at age 9, and we actually learned of New Hampshire’s Camp Carefree, a two-week sleepover camp for kids with diabetes, during that first trip to the doctor. The doctor who diagnosed her happened to spend part of his summers there, and he encouraged us to look into it because Nichole was old enough for camp.

Our daughter used to be a bit of a “mommy’s girl,” though, so we weren’t surprised that she didn’t initially express interest. However, by age 11, Nichole told us that she was ready—and it was the best decision she’s made in her life.

Since being diagnosed, Nichole hadn’t slept over at anyone’s house; going to Camp Carefree was a big deal for her and us. We could tell she was a little nervous as she sat quietly in the car during our drive to camp, but one of the great things about Camp Carefree is that new campers check in before returning campers—all of the other children arriving with us were in the same boat as Nichole. She was hardly out of the car before she made friends with a girl her age!

We only stayed for a bit before leaving Nichole with her counselors and fellow campers. I remember looking at her as we drove away, praying she would do well. It took me almost a week to grow accustomed to not getting up to check on her in the middle of the night. During her time at camp, writing letters was our only method of communication, and I couldn’t wait to see her again.

When I arrived back at the camp two weeks later, I was greeted by a different Nichole. Camp Carefree had matured my daughter—she came home with more confidence and more knowledge about diabetes. Before camp, Nichole had only changed her insulin pump infusion site once. Afterward, she couldn’t wait to show me that she could change and rotate her sites all on her own, and she shared diabetes knowledge that even I didn’t know.

What Nichole loved most about Camp Carefree was that she spent two weeks with other kids who deal with the exact same things she does on a daily basis. She said she felt normal, and the friendships that she made at camp have made a lasting impression. She talks to her new friends almost daily, and even though some of them live far away, she’s gotten to see a few in person since camp ended.

Now about to begin her fourth summer of camp (and final summer as a camper), Nichole can’t wait to return—she’s even planning to become a Counselor-In-Training next year so she can help new campers the way that her counselors helped her.

I encourage every family who has a child with diabetes to look into Diabetes Camp. The time away may seem long, but it goes by quickly and is absolutely worth it. Camp Carefree is the best thing to happen to my daughter since diagnosis.


Want to get involved with Diabetes Camps? Become a Camp Champion! By donating to the Association’s Diabetes Camps, you’ll help Team Tackle—an initiative uniting current, former and upcoming players from all 32 professional football teams—provide life-changing experiences for children with diabetes. Learn more at http://ift.tt/1P576ut.



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الثلاثاء، 31 مايو 2016

الأحد، 29 مايو 2016

#IDriveMyHealth: Amanda’s Story

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Nearly three in four NASCAR® fans are impacted by diabetes, which affects approximately 30 million people nationwide. The Drive to Stop DiabetesSM campaign, presented by Lilly Diabetes in collaboration with American Diabetes Association®, strives to empower Americans with diabetes to live well. The face of the campaign, NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Ryan Reed, has type 1 diabetes and is an inspiration for all people with the disease.


 

D2SD_ 2016_5-19v2Holding the cold microphone in my hand for the first time at age 6, I looked out at the crowd and I was hooked. I knew I wanted to sing and entertain people for the rest of my life. I was already performing and entertaining to anyone who would listen. Yes, I was that kid.

Hi, my name is Amanda Jo. I am a country music singer and songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. I am also a person with type 1 diabetes.

I will never forget the day my dad picked me up from school and took me to the doctor to get a routine checkup, 16 years ago. While my dad and I saw the doctor, my mom spoke with her friend on the phone. She told her friend: “I’m sure she’s fine. It’s not like she has diabetes or anything.”

Another phone call came in later that afternoon, one that would change my life. I had type 1 diabetes. I was fortunate that they had caught it early. My blood sugar was only in the 250s at diagnosis—I was still early in the honeymoon stages of the disease.

Although the diagnosis came as a complete shock to my family, I quickly decided to not let it stop me from following my dreams of becoming a country music singer. I moved to Nashville with a dream in my heart, a car full of belongings and an insulin pump on my side. Since that time, I’ve recorded an album full of my stories, travelled all over the United States and performed on hundreds of stages. I am living my dream.

Managing diabetes as a country music singer can be complicated. I’ve learned to be prepared for anything. Finding healthy meals is challenging on the road—it’s very unpredictable. I make sure to have plenty of snacks and glucose sources on hand in case I can’t eat meals on time. I also make a conscious effort to stay hydrated; zero-calorie fitness drinks are my preferred choice.

The most important tools I use to manage my diabetes are my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor. The ability to know what my blood sugar is and the direction it’s headed at the push of a button is lifesaving. I am able to quickly peek at my CGM on stage without anyone seeing. I can make small adjustments via my insulin pump . . . and continue on with the show.

D2SD_ 2016_5-19I was first introduced to Ryan Reed and the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign after his 2015 win at Daytona. The more I found out about Ryan and his story, the more I felt connected to him. He is another person with type 1 diabetes who leads an active lifestyle. I love that he did not let the disease interfere with his dream of being a NASCAR driver. He also reaches out to others with diabetes to encourage them to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle and follow their dreams.

I live a fun-filled and crazy life. I wake up in different cities at different times, play music for new crowds and meet new people almost every day. The highs and lows of diabetes are not always simple to manage with my adventurous life. But I refuse to let it stop me from doing what I truly love. Why would I?

My biggest #IDriveMyHealth recommendation is this: Don’t let diabetes stop you from following your dreams.

Look out for me the next time I’m on the road in your hometown!


 

Are you a NASCAR fan impacted by diabetes? Share your healthy lifestyle tips with us on social media, using #IDriveMyHealth.

To learn more about the Drive to Stop Diabetes campaign and find out how to get involved, visit http://ift.tt/1Orwomd.



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الجمعة، 27 مايو 2016

Live. Work. Play: Tamei’s Diabetes Story

Working for the American Diabetes Association® means making a difference for millions of people and working toward a future free of diabetes and all its burdens.

We all have a story to share. Some of us live with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes or prediabetes. Others have loved ones with the disease o
r have lost someone to the fight.

The following are personal stories from the Association’s staff about why we are so committed to the mission to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.


 

ADA_Staff_Tamei_052716 v2Tamei Elliott
Associate Coordinator, Treasury Services
Home Office (Alexandria, Va.)

Before writing this post, I thought about all of the undesirable experiences I’ve had with my type 1 diabetes. I then remembered that I want to encourage and inspire those who already know what it’s like to have a low blood sugar, followed by a high blood sugar.

You know, when you’re low and you overeat because your main goal is to raise it up—but then you feel terrible for overcompensating because you know the negative results of high blood sugar. And then you feel sick, nauseous and tired from the swings in blood sugar, from the two events happening back to back.

Anyway, life with diabetes is a process and every day is not going to be perfect. That is one lesson I am still learning.  

Diagnosed at age 16, I decided that the only way to tackle this beast was to educate myself as much as possible on the disease. Nutrition plays a very important role in diabetes education and that is the sole reason why I pursued my bachelor’s degree in nutritional science. As I grew with the disease, my understanding of it grew too. I didn’t want to stop there, so I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in biotechnology. After all, the development of insulin was one of the earliest uses of biotechnology in pharmaceutical manufacturing and it’s the reason why I am alive today.

In my free time I host seminars about healthy eating on a budget and nutrition classes that concentrate on diabetes education. I like to focus on youth from rural areas because they truly are the future and often have the most to learn about diabetes. I’ve taught many classes where I’ve heard, “You’re a diabetic? You’re not fat, though.” And then there is the infamous, “My grandma said you get diabetes from eating too much sugar.” I believe that if they have a better understanding of nutrition and how it connects directly to managing diabetes and preventing type 2, it could potentially save their lives or the lives of their loved ones. And nutrition is just one important aspect of diabetes; there are also the complications to think about.

Diabetes and depression go hand-in-hand, and I personally battle with it on a daily basis. There needs to be more awareness, information and resources on how to cope with the two—each alone is difficult enough to deal with. One way I do is through music. DJing has become my creative outlet. For me it is a form of healing. If you experience the same distress from diabetes or another chronic illness, I encourage you to try and find something similar, whether it’s through art, dancing, singing or whatever you may enjoy.

Working at the American Diabetes Association has been life changing. I’ve been part of the treasury department for two years and have never worked with such a great and passionate team. They work for the mission, for me and for millions like me all around the country. I am so proud to know them and the many others who work for the Association. The people here are inspiring and when I’m feeling down, I am constantly reminded why I should keep going.

I want to share my story not to boast about my accomplishments, but to show others like me that it’s possible to pursue your dreams. Know that you are not alone and that you have the strength inside you to push through. You just have to believe in yourself. We have an entire Association that believes in all people with diabetes and works daily so that we can live a better life with diabetes.

Everything is possible. You just have to put forth the hard work to get there—and don’t forget to smile and check your blood glucose levels in the meantime.


 

To learn more about nationwide employment opportunities and life at the Association, please visit diabetes.org/careers.



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الأربعاء، 25 مايو 2016

Weight-Loss Surgery Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Title: Weight-Loss Surgery Helps Treat Type 2 Diabetes
Category: Health News
Created: 5/24/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 5/25/2016 12:00:00 AM

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25 Legends: Timothy Trout

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This year marks the 25th anniversary of two American Diabetes Association® signature fundraising events—Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes® and Tour de Cure®.

Every dollar raised at these events supports people living with diabetes and funds our life-changing research and programs.

The “25 Legends” blog series highlights personal stories from some of the Association’s most dedicated walkers and riders who are affected by the disease.


 

StepOut_ 2016_5-10My name is Timothy Trout and I’m from Greenville, South Carolina. I have been living with type 1 diabetes for 22 years. I was diagnosed at 5 years old; I’m 27 today.

My family has been participating in Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes since 1995, soon after I was diagnosed. Our team is called Team In Motion (TIM). I was the first person in my family to be diagnosed with diabetes—my younger sister has been diagnosed since—and we were looking for a way to be in touch with others who shared the same personal and family experiences with the disease.

Diabetes has impacted many aspects of my life. The daily burdens associated with the disease are frustrating, but in a way, I enjoy the challenge of it. I am determined to lead the best, most active, most fulfilling life I can, and I am too stubborn to let type 1 diabetes get in the way. I play sports and enjoy weight-lifting, hiking and cooking healthy meals. And even though diabetes makes some of that a little more challenging, it has also made me understand the importance of maintaining my health. Following a healthy lifestyle helps me manage my blood glucose and makes me feel better overall.

I have always felt great after finishing a Step Out walk. Being involved early on helped me understand the importance of having a supportive community and following a healthy lifestyle. Participating in the walks helped me form these good habits.

The walk itself is exciting, but the sense of community there is the best part. Step Out provides the unique opportunity to connect with others affected by diabetes, and it is nice to know that others are going through the same thing as you on a daily basis.

My favorite memory from the walk was winning the top fundraising trophy when I was very young.  I remember telling my mother I wanted to win, and she said, “Well, that will probably go to the bigger companies that have a lot of people fundraising for them.” I was a little disheartened at first, but after a few weeks of rallying our friends, family, neighbors and colleagues, we ended up winning! We spent several weekends walking around our neighborhood telling people about the event and why they should support the American Diabetes Association. Educating people about the cause was a rewarding experience, and getting our name on the trophy was pretty cool.

My younger self would have said that my family’s biggest accomplishment was winning that fundraising trophy, but now I’d say it is the great feeling of getting everyone together to support people affected by diabetes.

Step Out walks are a great opportunity to meet others who are passionate about stopping diabetes, and I plan to continue supporting the American Diabetes Association. If you’re looking to connect with the diabetes community, my advice is to gather up as many friends and relatives as you can and go for it!

Together, we CAN Stop Diabetes.


The Association is so grateful of our 25 Legends! Their tireless efforts as walkers and riders are a tremendous support and inspiration to people with diabetes.

Sign up today! Learn more about these events and find out how to get involved at diabetes.org/stepout and http://ift.tt/1qKFQGM.



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