As National Diabetes Awareness Month has come and gone, it is appropriate to recognize that diabetes will continue to affect millions of people year round.  Many of the 1.25 million Americans already living with type one diabetes (T1D) flooded Facebook and Twitter in November with postings that supported the JDRF-sponsored social media campaign, “T1D Looks Like Me”.  These postings made reference to the impact of diabetes in terms of numbers; such as 61,768 annual finger pricks (to extract blood when testing for blood sugar levels) or 964  Insulin Pump site changes.  A very big and scary number is that 5 million Americans are expected to have T1D by 2050 if we don’t do something now.

Recent headlines, tweets and Facebook posts have also shared the news that the FDA approved an Artificial Pancreas System.  This milestone in the evolution of diabetes management and care is of course fantastic news. But there is a story behind the headlines and posts that spans decades. It is the story of how science and technology relating to diabetes has been changed by the driving force and passion of those touched by diabetes; by the volunteers and donors of JDRF.

The Lawrence family of Lake Katrine are examples of this passion and dedication to fighting T1D through their own efforts and their donations to JDRF.  Both of their children have been diagnosed with T1D.  When their son Chad was diagnosed at the age of 23 months, Charlie Lawrence and his wife, Donna, formed the Ulster County Chapter of JDRF in 1975 (originally known as JDF).  Other local county chapters were formed shortly after and they eventually evolved into what is now known as the Westchester/Fairfield/Hudson Valley Chapter of JDRF. Their daughter Melissa was diagnosed in her twenties, underscoring the fact that T1D can strike both children and adults.

Since Chad was diagnosed at such a young age and has been fighting T1D for 4 decades, he can serve as a case study both of the benefits of JDRF-funded research as well as the complications of a lifetime of diabetes.

When Chad was diagnosed in the 1970’s, it was the dark ages of diabetes management. Urine testing was the norm for determining blood sugar levels and if insulin was needed. In the case of infants, this required wringing out diapers to collect urine in a test tube for testing. This inaccurate method led to extreme swings in blood sugar – with highs and lows as they are known – that made life difficult and contributed to the development of complications that affected all organs.

Growing up with diabetes was not easy. If you ask Chad, he will tell you that everything revolved around his blood sugar. If it was too high, he would have difficulty concentrating on school work. If it was too low, it could turn into a medical emergency. Despite these challenges, Chad was determined to show that he could do as well – or better –  than his non-T1D peers. At the age of 5, he excelled at soccer. At the age of 6, he tried baseball despite a team manager who didn’t think Chad would keep up with the other kids. Chad proved him wrong. At age 7, he discovered BMX (Bicycle MotoCross) and his passion for cycling remains today.

As an adult, Chad is grateful for new technology that exists thanks to diabetes research.  The introduction of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors (that provide a continuous update of your blood sugar) have made it easier for Chad and others like him to lead a daily schedule that is not dictated by peaking insulin levels.  Chad’s most memorable experience with this evolving technology came about while he was participating in the JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes.  Cycling 100 miles across Death Valley in temperatures exceeding 110 degrees in a single day, Chad used his new Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to glance occasionally at a small display to see his blood sugar level.   Prior to this technology, he would have needed to repeatedly prick his finger using a manual tester.  Not only would this have hindered his riding, but it would also have risked the sudden onset of low blood sugar emergencies.

According to Chad, “I started the ride with my blood sugar at 119 – a good number. As I pedaled, I watched the arrows go up and down on my CGM to see what direction my blood sugar was heading. If it pointed up, I just rode harder to burn up sugar. If it went down, I would grab a snack while I pedaled to give myself more sugar.” Some 100 miles and many hours later, he arrived at the finish line with his CGM still reading 119.

Despite the benefits of new research and new technologies, Chad continues to struggle with the complications of life-long diabetes.  Earlier this year, Chad faced a diabetes complication in his right eye that severely impaired his vision. His determination to fight back became even more fervent.  In July, midway through a series of monthly eye injections, he completed a 100-mile Ride to Cure Diabetes bicycle ride in Burlington, VT.  The injections improved his vision enough to allow him to participate in another Ride to Cure Diabetes at the end of October — 100 miles in just over six hours. Although still grappling with vision problems, his sight has improved to the point where he can return to competitive cycling.

Diagnosis of T1D is a moment in time everyone needs to consider. If T1D has already impacted your family, you know what this moment means. If T1D has not entered your life yet, consider yourself and your family as being fortunate.  In either case – if you want to increase your awareness of T1D or if you want to join the hundreds of families in our area who work hand in hand with each other through the Westchester/Fairfield/Hudson Valley Chapter of JDRF, please contact Executive Director Margie Ostrower at 914-686-7700.  JDRF Westchester/Fairfield/Hudson Valley Chapter has offices in White Plains, NY and Norwalk CT.   You can also find them online at www.JDRF.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

If you are interested in learning more about JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes, click here.

Written by Elizabeth Kenny, Westchester/Fairfield Board.