Awakened by the sharp ringing of blood sugar alarms, children across the nation constantly feel the effect of fluctuations in their blood sugar, causing them to feel dizzy or nauseous — a daily reality that is recognized in November, recognized as Diabetes Awareness Month.
Symptoms
Around 18,000 adolescents a year receive a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, with most symptoms developing rapidly when noticed by parents or guardians. One of the most common symptoms shows itself as increased thirst. For many children, this feeling serves as a relentless urge that no amount of water can satisfy. Other symptoms include extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss and frequent urination. It is extremely important to watch for these out-of-the-ordinary behaviors because as blood glucose levels become extremely elevated, the possibility of a diabetic coma increases. These can lead to death or permanent brain damage if not treated immediately.
Daily Struggles
For many people with type 1 diabetes, their average day consists of having to sit out of certain activities or games if their blood glucose levels are too low — which can cause shaking and dizziness — or too high, which can lead to nausea and occasionally ketones. Other setbacks include wearing insulin pumps and monitors, of which the wires and needles are often uncomfortable and annoying.
Educating the Unaware
Informing the average citizen about the effects of type 1 diabetes on a human who is diagnosed is extremely important. Offering training classes to all communities represents one way society can be prepared to take action if a diabetic were to become unconscious. Although not originally made for diabetics, companies such as Road ID have made it their mission to create personalized tags that clip onto watches or accessories. These tags include a person’s name, their two emergency contacts and their condition. These tags make first responders’ jobs easier, so they can treat conditions like type 1 diabetes in addition to those with potential allergies.
School Support
School systems nationwide support students with type 1 diabetes through 504 accommodations. These accommodations can include extra time on assignments, unlimited bathroom breaks, use of electronics that monitor blood sugar and snacks when needed. School nurses, who have gone through specialized training and certification, also provide aid to students with the diagnosis. The nurse’s office also provides a safe, secure environment to change insulin pumps, check blood sugar and address any other needs a student may present.
Advances In Technology
While there have been many advances for diabetics in recent years, researchers and scientists are still optimistic for more developed technology. The OmniPod 5, fully released to the public in August of 2022, is currently the only closed-loop insulin system, making it one of the most popular choices when monitoring glucose levels and insulin dosages. Several new insulin pumps are expected to be released or have expanded rollouts in 2026, including Tandem’s Mobi pump, ViCentra’s smartphone-based closed loop system and Medtronic’s MiniMed 8-series tubed pump. These releases increase hope for the community of diabetics because this profound technology can help to normalize their lives.
Advocating for type 1 diabetes is extremely important in today’s world; by understanding the daily realities people face and supporting their continued progress, society can help ensure every child with the diagnosis has the opportunity to thrive — this November and beyond.
