I have been sad lately because my nephew, 14 years my junior, suffered from juvenile diabetes his entire life. That life ended last month. He was 40 years old.
My family has become estranged from each other, but even so, at least for me, the loss of someone I loved hurts.
Pete, our name for him, and no relation to his given name, had juvenile diabetes since he was a toddler. I was a freshman in High School when he was born. His dad, my brother, was 14 years older than me. Now they are both gone.
Juvenile diabetes cannot be prevented, but it can be managed, and life does not need to be shortened as it was for my nephew. He lived in a small, Midwestern town where smoking is still fairly common. He smoked for most of his young adult life. He ended up with peripheral artery disease and nerve damage and ended up losing his feet and legs. This does not have to happen. I know individuals who have Type 1 Diabetes who are older than I am and who are in very good health. It all depends on taking care of our bodies.
For more information about Type 1 Diabetes you may check out the section of of the American Diabetes Association website that deals with Type 1. You can donate to the ADA too.
Rest in peace, MJH.
So sorry for your loss, Nerthus <3 Let's hope your message is heard.
a/b
a/b, Thank you. I hope so too. Research, basic research, is so important, let’s hope the gov’t doesn’t cut basic research to help the rich and we can make serious strides on curing/preventing both Type I and Type II Diabetes.