Awareness

Today is the start of Diabetes Awareness Month! I hate coming after Breast Cancer Awareness because everyone loves pink, and blue is everyday. But then I read a post last month about how all the pink isn’t actually helping and they need more people to promote the symptoms. There are unknown symptoms of breast cancer that most people don’t know. (If I could find this post, I would share it with you.)

Yes, I want everyone out there to know the difference between Type 1, 1.5 and 2 diabetes, but I think it’s more important for me to share the symptoms with you. Maybe you’ll read this and think “wow, that might be me” or “that sounds like one of my friends.” I’m not suggesting that you become a hypochondriac, but I am saying you should listen to your body. If there’s one thing I’ve learned after 24 years of diabetes, it’s that your body is smart. Listen to it when it talks to you. If you have diabetes, this is what you need to be listening to (based on JDRF and American Diabetes Association).

• Extreme Thirst
• Frequent Urination
• Sudden Vision Changes
• Fruity or Wine-like Breath
• Increased Appetite
• Sudden Weight Loss
• Drowsiness/Lethargy
• Labored Breathing
• Unconsciousness
• Cuts/Bruises that are Slow to Heal
• Tingling/Pain/Numbness in Hands and/or Feet