Imagine developing a disease that often causes blindness, kidney failure, a heart attack or stroke if not taken care of.  Now consider that you have to think and make decisions about this disease several times a day, 365 days a year for the rest of your life.  Next, imagine that it is a young child who develops this disease, maybe even your child or grandchild.

That is some of what life with type 1 diabetes is like, a disease that affects one out of every 400 to 600 children in the U.S.  There is no prevention or cure for type 1 diabetes, but it can be controlled.  However, control means using insulin everyday, and learning how to adjust your insulin, food, and physical activity to manage your blood sugar.  It is estimated that people with type 1 diabetes have to think about it, on average, every 15 minutes to keep it under control.

Some of the organizations working to help youth with type 1 diabetes include

·         The U.P. Diabetes Outreach Network  (UPDON) can be linked at www.diabetesinmichigan.org/HomeUPDON.htm.  Their mission is to promote innovative partnerships to strengthen diabetes prevention, detection and treatment throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  In 2003, they started a family camp for kids with diabetes to help youth and families learn more about diabetes management while having fun.  They are also piloting a mentoring program for youth with type 1 diabetes through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Marquette and Alger Counties.

·         The American Diabetes Association www.diabetes.org The ADA is also working to help youth (and adults) with diabetes through research, advocacy and information.

Photos courtesy of UPDON