Now, there is always much confusion about Type 1 (Juvenile)
and Type 2 diabetes, but there is a huge difference!
Type 1, commonly referred to as juvenile, diabetes is an
auto immune disease whereby the pancreas ceases to produce insulin. Without
insulin, the body is unable to break down sugars and convert it into energy.
This is when type 1 kids go into a ‘hypo’ or hypoglycaemia state (low blood
glucose level) which can lead to shortness of breath, fainting, coma, and in
the worst cases, death. During a ‘hypo’ a rush of sugar will help bring the
child back to a normal blood sugar level, which is typically when lollies or
jam are used to immediately get the sugar into their system.
I’ll touch back on this in a moment!
Type 2 diabetes on the other hand can usually be controlled by eating
habits, exercise routines and lifestyle. It is usually diagnosed later in life
than type 1 and is typically as a result of a not-so-healthy lifestyle. This is
the diabetes many refer to as ‘the fat one’.
JDRF have a campaign called “Jelly Baby Month” which usually
runs throughout the month of May. It is a community and school incentive to
raise awareness and funds for juvenile diabetes, especially in primary schools
when they can learn the difference between type 1 & 2. Jelly Baby Month
raises funds through selling fundraising items such as JDRF merchandise (pens,
key chains etc.) and – yep, you guessed it – jelly babies!
There has been a multitude of backlash from nutritionists and writers (usually mummy bloggers) displaying outrage and lashing out against the sale of jelly baby lollies to assist in raising funds for juvenile diabetes - 'the very product that causes diabetes' according to some lovely comments.
What these dear writers have unfortunately overlooked is the
fact they don't understand the significant difference between the two
types of the disease! That, and JDRF Jelly Babies are now made with all natural colours and flavours.
This is a huge part of JDRF’s mission; educating those
outside of the type 1 community on how it is not a matter of controlling your
exercise and eating habits, but an illness, an auto immune defect
in fact, which attacks the insulin enzymes in the body making children very ill and
results in them having to monitor their blood sugar levels multiple times a day
either through finger pricking or on a monitored pump and usually having
to inject themselves with insulin up to six times a day.
The symbol of the Jelly Baby is a part of the pantry for
many families living with a child who has type 1. Many mums say the ‘friendly
face’ and familiarity of the jelly babies help calm the child when in a hypo
state.
In essence, I would like to extend this piece of knowledge
to you all as well, to help you understand the difference between the two.
The JDRF website explains it even further.
And since we’re in Jelly Baby Month why not check out
ways you can help fundraise or raise awareness while you’re there!
Natalie Robb 14287318
Natalie Robb 14287318
No comments:
Post a Comment