November is National Diabetes Month Published Nov. 14, 2011 By Tom Harris 99th Medical Operations Squadron NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Everyday, 35 children in America are diagnosed as having type 1 diabetes. This disease, which is also called "juvenile diabetes," occurs when the body stops producing insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone and, without it, people with type 1 diabetes will have to make a life-long commitment to taking insulin, exercising regularly, maintaining proper weight, eating nutritious food and monitoring their blood sugar in order to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Type 2 diabetes is a slightly different disease that affects people in another way. People with type 2 diabetes are able to produce insulin, but their bodies do not respond to the insulin properly. In order to manage this disease, these people should eat a proper diet, exercise regularly, take oral medication, and keep up with the latest education, news, and community resources available. With November being National Diabetes Month, there are various events scheduled to bring awareness to this disease. One of these events taking place locally is a walk to cure diabetes. The University of Las Vegas is hosting this walk Nov. 19, 2011, and proceeds will go toward the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. For more information or to sign up for this walk, please go to www.jdrf.org. For more information about diabetes, please go to www.diabetes.org or contact Tom Harris, 99th Medical Operations Squadron group lifestyle balance instructor at 702-653-2764.
