The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has put at risk the most important tool available in the fight against type 1 diabetes (T1D): Research. With numerous in-person JDRF fundraising events called off or postponed nationwide, JDRF is facing immediate funding gaps that put the pipeline at risk. In an effort to raise these much-needed funds and protect our community from the dangers of COVID-19, JDRF North Florida started the #StrongerTogether mask campaign.

“We have lost a substantial amount of funding that would have been raised through our community walks and galas, so we needed to come up with a way to keep our community engaged and provide an opportunity to continue our life saving research,” explains Brooks Biagini, Executive Director JDRF North Florida. “As we begin to leave our homes and interact with each other, the diabetes community remains at a high level of risk, so the masks address a real need and provide an opportunity to support our research and protect ourselves, our diabetes population and our front line and essential workers.”

How Do I Get Involved?

Leaders of the global diabetes community recently gathered to develop recommendations to curb the spread of COVID-19 and to keep people safe. Everyone with diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, is at risk so the recommendations target broad changes in behavior for everyone in the diabetes community; one of those recommendations is to wear a cloth mask or face covering.

You can join JDRF in protecting essential workers, those with underlying conditions like diabetes, and yourself from the dangers of COVID-19 by participating in the #StrongerTogether mask campaign at www.strongertogethermasks.com. When you give $25 or more, you will receive a branded, high-quality polyester and spandex, washable mask you can wear for social distancing or choose to donate it to an essential worker or someone at risk instead.

The Impact Of COVID-19 On The T1D Community

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has added new challenges, fears, and uncertainties for people living with diabetes, as members of the diabetes community are among the most vulnerable to serious complications caused by the virus. Although having T1D does not make you more susceptible to contracting COVID-19, you need to know how to take care of yourself.

Here are 3 tips to caring for your T1D while having a viral illness:

• Monitor your blood glucose and ketones more than usual: When you’re under the weather, you may not feel like eating or drinking much, and you may be taking medication to address symptoms such as fever and muscle aches. It is crucial to carefully monitor your blood glucose and ketones more often than usual, as often as every four hours.
• Continue a normal schedule of medications: Beyond insulin, many over-the-counter medications also affect blood glucose levels. Though there are some sugar-free cough syrups on the market, many such syrups contain sugar, which only exacerbates already high blood glucose levels. Pills taken orally—that have the same ingredients as syrups—can be a better choice if they contain no carbohydrates.
• Stock your cabinets with items that will help you keep up your carbohydrate intake in a healthy way: Foods like crackers, vegetables or noodle soups, unsweetened applesauce, or fruit-flavored yogurt are all easy-on-the-stomach selections. If blood sugars are in range, start with drinks that contain carbohydrates, and plan to consume something every three to four hours.

Visit www.jdrf.org/coronavirus for the latest expert information and recommendations for people living with T1D when it comes to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Help JDRF Power Toward A World Free Of T1D

The COVID-19 pandemic is just another reminder of why research to cure underlying conditions like diabetes is more critical than ever. With so many places asking you to wear a mask before entering, JDRF’s #StrongerTogether mask is a perfect way to raise money for research, adhere to local business’ guidelines, and spread the vision of creating a world free of T1D. Visit www.strongertogethermasks.com to make a donation and get your humorously branded, washable mask with a message of “We are Stronger Together, but 6 feet apart.”