Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Raising Awareness

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

Before Joseph was diagnosed just over one year ago, my own awareness of diabetes was slight at best.

And about type 1, I knew almost nothing.

Sure I was aware that some folks with diabetes needed insulin. But I never understood why. Nor did I have any idea of the work that went into managing the disease day-to-day -- hell, hour-to-hour.

Well, now I know.

Over the last year, I've also come to realize the value of support in all of this.

Gina over at Diabetes Talkfest has called on all diabetes bloggers to post tomorrow -- to unite in a show of support for each other and all of their readers.

Soooo, bloggers with diabetes -- or those who are in any way touched by this disease -- please post something tomorrow.

Write about how diabetes has affected your life.

Write about your favorite meter, pump, lancet, software progam...

Write about the research you're following.

Write whatever comes to mind.

But write.

And those who don't have a blog, well, then comment. Visit the d-bloggers listed to the right (and any I may have missed!).

And leave a comment.

Even if it's just to say, "Hi, I'm here. And I'm reading."

Let's really show the power of these blogs to unite individuals who might otherwise feel as if they're alone in this.

Let's reach out.

7 comments:

Andrea said...

That's an AWESOME idea, Sandra. I will be writing tomorrow and visiting others' blogs in support of awareness.

I think there are far too many people who don't really understand the disease and we do need to get the word out. People need to know that the disease is more than just avoiding sugar (which I admit is what I thought prior to my dx)...that this disease can create a lot of problems if it's not controlled.

I hope that people do find our blogs. People could learn a lot about the disease from just visiting and reading...plus, I think it's a fun and interesting way to learn.

Martha O'Connor said...

Thanks for the reminder, Sandra! I'm going to be writing about teens and noncompliance issues... It's something I'm also writing about in my new novel. You bet diabetes is part of the subject matter. How could it not be? :o) Love, Martha

Unknown said...

Great idea! I just read something the other day while looking at recipes for the holidays about diabetes research! Looking forward to reading everyone's blogs!

Sandra Miller said...

Andrea & Christine--

Thanks for the enthusiastic comments!

I look forward to reading tomorrow as well.

And Martha,

I'm really excited to hear that diabetes will be a thematic element in your new book. Sadly, I've never come across this in a novel before. Definitely fascinating stuff, with the potential to educate as well.

And hey, it will certainly be timely for us... Joseph is just a few years away from those teen years, and, in many ways, already acts like a teen.

I look forward to reading your book as soon as it's published. If it's half as good as The Bitch Posse, it's gonna be terrific!

Anonymous said...

I'm here, And I'm reading!!!! I don't have a blog of my own, but i like the idea! My son Liam is 8, he was dx 1-6-2001 (funny how you never forget that date) at the age of 3, he will never remember life before D, But hopefully he will live to see life after the cure!!!

Keith said...

Just wanted to say Kudos to you great Moms out there esp. Sandra & Dolly for grabing this diabetes bull by the horns w/your children and doing what it takes to keep them healthy. My mom did the same thing w/me beginning in 1969 and after 37 years of living w/this disease I'm basically complication free.

Applause & cheers!!!!

Anonymous said...

Mi hija Luna Belen debutó hace un año con DM1 y como papá quiero darle una vida lo más normal posible. Esta enfermedad no nos va a ganar la batalla por nuestra felicidad.
Mis cariños para tu hijo
Julio

http://blogs.ya.com/diabetica/