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This is World Diabetes Day, the first annual, and the international community is embracing its message by flying high the striking blue symbol of the disease. The message is about waking up the world to the growing impact of diabetes on our young and old- this year's theme focusing on children and adolescents. The innocent faces of the disease give a hammering reminder of what we are striving for, worldwide awareness, more scientific breakthroughs, and a much needed cure. I have seen the innocence shedding away in a young girl's brave eyes, one pinky finger blood test at a time. Remember her today, and embrace this cause with the world.
Type 1 diabetes hit me when I was twenty-one years old. While I had to worry about new alcohol limitations and the impact on my physically demanding job, it somehow doesn't compare to a child's life- who's summed memories all have diabetes tucked away in them somewhere. I had the reward of meeting a four year old little girl, with type-1 diabetes also. She shared her lack of bravery when it came shot time, confessing how she "twies" (cries) from the pain. She showed me her kit of diabetes goodies, stocked with alcohol wipes, insulin vials, test strips and the like. I knew... she will never know a day without these tools that will forever be her lifeline.
Her admission to needle phobia fell dully on my ears as she astutely tested her own blood sugar. I only use my "pinty" (pinky) fingers she says, urging me to use mine also as we test together. She hesitantly pricks her finger and lets the test strip go to work. Watching me follow suit, she now knows that she is not the only one with this distraction from the highly coveted play time and from daily, cozy naps. She does not yet know the meaning of the numbers on the screen, she does not know about the complications that may entangle her future, she does not know that part of her childhood has been taken away from her.
This child's image will be locked in my mind forever and she has become my key reminder of why awareness for diabetes is so important. Let World Diabetes Day be the day when you reach farther into your consciousness of diabetes. Find the key that helps remind you of why the world is taking notice. Educate yourself, educate others, know the signs, get screened for pre-diabetes. Stand tall with the world and march on- taking us all closer to a planet that has conquered the type-2 diabetes pandemic, eliminated the onset of type-1 diabetes, and that has made it safe again, for all pinky fingers alike.
