Supporting Diabetes Awareness Month


We are passionate about supporting the Diabetic Community and want to help spread awareness during Diabetes Awareness Month this November. We have received many incredible stories about how our medical belts have helped both children and adults with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) feel as normal as they can while still carrying a pump or other medical supplies. Each and every one is so heartwarming and hits you right in the feels. 


While we wish no one had to live with diabetes, we are thankful we’re able to provide something to help. Read on to learn more about T1D and how you can help spread awareness, too.


WHAT IS T1D?


Type 1 Diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.


Different factors, including genetics and some viruses, may contribute to Type 1 Diabetes. Although Type 1 Diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults.


Despite active research, Type 1 Diabetes has no cure. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet and lifestyle to prevent complications. (Source: Mayo Clinic)
 
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO RAISE AWARENESS
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that in the U.S., 34.2 million people — or 10.5% of the total population — have diabetes. Type 1 Diabetes accounts for nearly 5-10% of diagnosed cases, and can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions if not detected early once symptoms appear. 


Some people may not realize that they or someone they care for could have prediabetes or diabetes. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or delay serious health complications.


It's important to recognize symptoms or 'warning signs' of diabetes. It could save you or a loved one a trip to the ER and days in the ICU if more people and doctors are aware of the symptoms. 


Symptoms of diabetes: 

  • Frequent urination
  • Headaches
  • Severe weight loss
  • Extreme thirst
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling hungry
  • Blurry vision
  • Fatigue and confusion
  • Irritability
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Fruity smelling breath
  • Rapid Breathing
  • Presence of ketones in the urine

Spreading awareness can also be a way to help people with diabetes understand best practices for daily management, and dispel myths or misunderstandings about the different types of diabetes.
 
WHAT SPIBELT IS DOING TO RAISE AWARENESS


This month, we are collaborating with some awesome T1D influencers to help amplify their message and hopefully reach more people. Let’s introduce them!


The Krueger Family - @kruegersplus1d
Family of 8 kids, with 6 type one diabetics. This family has such a positive outlook as they educate about their life with diabetes.

 

Noelle and Zach - @sugarandswaglife
Zach was recently diagnosed. Zach, along with his mom, helps spread awareness, encourages others while continuing to HAVE FUN!

 

Ashley Neuhaus - @typelovely 
Ashley shares her awesome adventures along with tips and tricks for living with T1D.




Follow them for diabetes education all year long, and join us on Instagram and Facebook this month to see their stories. 

ADVICE FROM REAL T1D FAMILIES
For anyone who has recently been diagnosed, it can be scary. To help families with a child recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes; we have brought together two amazing women from the SPIbelt community to share their stories and some advice for the newly diagnosed. Click here to read their advice. 


OUR T1DSPI PROGRAM


SPIbelt is committed to supporting families who have recently received a Type 1 diagnosis or who are still looking for a pump/CGM carrying solution through our T1DSPI program, and we are offering 50% OFF a Diabetic SPIbelt. Our SPIbelts can be comfortably and discreetly worn so that diabetics can have their continuous glucose monitors, insulin pumps, syringes, fast-acting emergency glucose, and insulin vials and pens ready at all times. 


You can sign up for our T1DSPI Program and get your 50% OFF code via this link (scroll to the bottom).


WHAT YOU CAN DO

  • Overall, just reading this post helps. Now you have more tools to help educate others and spread awareness yourself. 
  • Follow the influencers we listed above and share their content.
  • Tag us - if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes and would like to tag us @spibelt, we’ll share your content to our followers to help spread even more awareness!



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