​November 14 holds special significance to me because, its  the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting. Who is the co-discoverer of insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. This transformative discovery has been a beacon of hope, saving countless lives and changing the landscape of diabetes management. Without this discovery, I would have not survived 40 years with Diabetes. I'm fortunate to be able to have insulin, however there are many living with diabetes, who do not have acesse or the finances for this precious substance, insulin. Banting is famously known for saying, "Insulin does not belong to me, it belongs to the world."  Today, we honor this milestone and express gratitude for the progress made in diabetes care. 

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that impacts the way your body converts carbohydrates also known as sugar into energy.

Carbohydrates, when digested, are broken down into sugar also known as glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream. When there is sugar in your blood stream, it triggers your pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone. Think of it as a key that unlocks your body's cells to allow sugar to be used for energy.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, your body either doesn't create enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin that your body has created, Eventually your body will be less sensitive to the insulin or actually stop making it. When this occurs the sugar in your bloodstream will raise, which can cause other health issues. If left untreated you will be at risk to developing heart disease, loss of eyesight, nerve damage or kidney disease.

There are many different forms of diabetes. The most known types are Type 1 Diabetes, Type2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes. Click the link below to learn about the various types of diabetes. 

• Type 1 Diabetes
• Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in adults (LADA)
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational diabetes.
• Maturity-Onset Diabetes in the Young (MODY)
• Cystic fibrosis-Related diabetes (CFRD)
• Cushing’s syndrome

Know the signs:

• Urinate (pee) a lot, often at night
• Are very thirsty
• Lose weight without trying
• Are very hungry
• Have blurry vision
• Have numb or tingling hands or feet
• Feel very tired
• Have very dry skin
• Have sores that heal slowly
• Have more infections than usual

Being an advocate for all individual with diabetes rings near and dear to my heart. Growing up as a Type 1 diabetic, there weren't many individuals with diabetes my age, let alone who looked like me. That's what birthed my advocacy journey.  I strive to bring awareness to the online diabetes community by shinning light, brining hope and joy to those living with diabetes. 

This month I will be shinning light on the Sonia Nabeta Foundation (SNF) by fundraising.  SNF was founded by the Nabeta family in honor of their daughter and sister, Sonia. She fought a valiant fight against Type 1 diabetes, however she passed in August of 2015.  They provide financial support, education and advocacy for children with Type 1 diabetes in Sub Saharan Africa.  Please join me in making a difference in the lives of children living with Type 1 diabetes.