As many of you know, I have Type 1 diabetes and have been living with it for over 17 years. Just because Type 1 is generally known as "juvenile" diabetes, that doesn't mean that adults can't get it, too!
Diabetes is a tough disease whether you are a kid or an adult - it requires constant attention through tracking blood sugars, taking insulin or medication, exercise, and nutrition. To live a long and healthy life (which you can, even with diabetes!) it takes a LOT of work and effort, and is something you can never stop thinking about. I am evidence as well that you can have a healthy pregnancy, and a wonderfully healthy baby, even with Type 1 diabetes.
Since joining Diabetes Sisters, I have discovered hundreds of women from various walks of life who are living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and who also have family and friends with the disease. We are all in this together, and need everyone's support to help raise awareness, work towards better health for us all, and hopefully someday, find a cure!!
Please join the Rational Rowdies team on Sunday May 20th to walk - we are named the "Rational Rowdies" because we are smart and pay attention to our health and our diabetes, but we also have fun and get a little rowdy sometimes, too! ;-)
In the meantime, please help us fundraise and raise awareness about diabetes!!
Thanks so much,
Rhonda
Here is more general info, from the Diabetes Awareness Walk page:
MAY is National Women’s Health Awareness Month. Do your part by joining us on Sunday, May 20, 2012 for the 2nd Annual orange:will Diabetes Awareness Walk for women with diabetes in downtown Raleigh, NC. The 1-mile Walk is part of DiabetesSisters’ orange:will national campaign to raise awareness about the unique issues faced by women with diabetes and to establish orange as the official color for women’s diabetes.
The walk is FREE!
The average citizen is unaware of the unique challenges faced by women with diabetes on a daily basis. Women with diabetes face increased risks for serious health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, ketoacidosis, osteoporosis, eating disorders, depression, and body image issues. Yet, there are very few resources available to help women navigate these health challenges. National Women's Health Awareness Month is the perfect time for us to take a stand for our mothers, sisters, daughters, and aunts who are living with or are at risk for diabetes.