The Highs And Lows Of T1d
I watch my son go from one extreme to another more often than I first thought possible. With each aspect of type 1 diabetes my heart and soul respond and my brain translates these responses into colors.
RED that hot steamy anger that accompanies every high blood sugar. It is so hard as a parent to watch your child suffer and know you cant fix the cause.
ORANGE the warm feeling that comes over me every time my son successfully navigates another diabetic hurdle as he learns to calculate his own ratios, drives solo, attends college simply living his best life despite this disease.
BLUE a complicated set of emotions caused by the lack of knowledge and empathy in the world. After reading a recent twitter post that condemned a person for injecting themselves with insulin at a restaurant table saying, Thats so gross! Watch out the icy blue fingers of this mamas wrath starts to send out a scathing response into the Twitterverse. Luckily, logic takes control and I realize 280 characters will not change the strangers perception.
Gray the never ending plea for someone to FIND A CURE. I dont want anyone, including my son, to live with this disease for one more day!
And, dont get me started on the amount of money made by insurance companies and executives from this disease! Well, thats another conversation where mamas icy blue wrath starts boils over.
The Link Between Type 2 Diabetes And Race And Ethnicity
At the national level, for adults, there are major differences observed in the frequency of diabetes for individuals of color compared white individuals, explained Dr. Leonard Egede, the chief of the Division of General Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin, who studies health disparities related to race and ethnicity for chronic medical conditions.
The CDCs estimates the following rates of diagnosed, undiagnosed, and total diabetes in adults in the United States as:
- 16.4% of Black non-Hispanic people
- 14.9% of Asian non-Hispanic people
- 14.7% of Hispanic people
- 11.9% of white non-Hispanic people
The frequency of clinical diabetes diagnoses is highest among American Indians and Alaskan Natives, at 14.7%. In comparison, 7.5% of white Americans have received an official diabetes diagnosis.
Large-scale health data collection efforts have routinely understudied American Indians and Alaskan Natives, so it is more challenging to estimate the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in this population.
According to an older study , people of color are also more likely to experience complications from type 2 diabetes. .
- heart disease and heart failure
- retinopathy, which is a type of eye disease
- neuropathy, or nerve damage
CDC , a family history of type 2 diabetes is a risk factor for the disease. However, this does not necessarily mean that higher rates of type 2 diabetes in some populations are necessarily due to genetics.
When To See A Dermatologist
Diabetes can cause many other skin problems. Most skin problems are harmless, but even a minor one can become serious in people who have diabetes. A board-certified dermatologist can recognize skin problems due to diabetes and help you manage them.
Are all dermatologists board certified?
No. See what it takes to become board certified.
ImagesImage 1: Image Courtesy of Clark C. Otley, MD. All Rights Reserved
Images 3, 7, 8, 9: Used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.
Image 2 from DermNetNZ
Some images used with permission of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
ReferencesCohen Sabban, EN. Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus from A to Z. Focus session presented at: 74th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology March 4-8, 2016 Washington D.C.
Duff M, Demidova O, et al. Cutaneous manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Clinical Diabetes. 2015 33:40-8.
Kalus AA, Chien AJ, et al. Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine disorders. In: Wolff K, Goldsmith LA, et al. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine . McGraw Hill Medical, New York, 2008:1461-70.
McKinley-Grant L, Warnick M, et al. Cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease. In: Kelly AP and Taylor S. Dermatology for Skin of Color. . The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. China, 2009:481-4.
Morgan AJ and Schwartz RA. Diabetic dermopathy: A subtle sign with grave implications. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 58:447-51.
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Awareness Ribbons Chart: Color And Meaning Of Awareness Ribbon Causes
Synopsis: List of awareness ribbon colors and associated causes regarding health and disability – Includes printable awareness ribbon chart. Awareness ribbons are defined as short pieces of colored ribbon folded into a loop, or representations of such. Awareness ribbons are used to create public awareness to health conditions and other important issues.
What Color Should Urine Or Pee Be
Yellowish, Dr. Clifton says.
Yellow is the color we normally associate with urine, but there are shades of yellow.
If its dark yellow, brown, or even orange, you can be very dehydrated, while crystal clear to no color suggests that you are adequately hydrated, she says.
Bright yellow or fluorescent urine is usually from overdoing vitamin B complex foods or supplements, specifically B2 or riboflavin and/or multivitamins, including prenatal vitamins.
This is harmless, Dr. Clifton says. You might be taking more than you need, and the excess is most likely mixing with your urine as it exits the body.
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When Should You See Your Doctor
If you run though our check-list of foods and medications above, and you havent had anything to turn your pee a funky color, or if you have an odor, fever, nausea and vomiting, low flank, or pubic pain then its time to see your doctor or healthcare provider about your urine. Generally, if you dont know whats causing it, and its a change from your usual, then get your urine checked!
Your doctor can perform a variety of tests to determine whats going on with your urine. It may be that you need an antibiotic for an infection in the urinary tract, , or you could need an antispasmodic for your bladder if you have an overactive bladder.
If your urine indicates an illness of some kind, such as diabetes, then your doctor can test you for them. Kidneys are important organs that we cant live without, at least not without kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant. Having urine issues can be embarrassing but dont be afraid to contact your family doctor.
The Color Of Your Urine
Different medications, foods, illnesses , and other factors can affect the color of your urine. The color of your urine can give you important clues as to whats going on inside your body. There are other properties of urine that can make it easier for doctors and medical providers to determine whats going on inside. Our urine is the end result of all the metabolic processes that go on in our bodies, so it provides a valuable diagnostic source.
The amount of fluid in the body affects the color of urine. The more dehydrated the person is, the darker the urine can look. The more hydrated that the person is, the lighter in color that it may appear.
What does normal urine look like?
The normal look of urine ranges from pale yellow and clear, to a darker yellow. When red blood cells are destroyed, they breakdown into urobilin, which is a waste product from these cells. These waste products form a pigment, urochrome, which gives normal urine the characteristic yellowish color.
Hydration vs. dehydration
When urine barely has a yellow color, a person may be too hydrated. Urine that is basically colorless during a urine drug screen indicates an attempt to overhydrate, and cover up the presence of illegal drugs. Conversely, when urine has a dark yellow, or amber color, the person is likely dehydrated. In a person who takes diuretics, such as Lasix, the urine may also be pale in color.
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How Do I Submit An Awareness Ribbon Color Or Design
You are welcome to submit an awareness ribbon color and/or design to add to our list provided it meets the following criteria:
- When submitting an awareness ribbon, or design, please provide an example of where the ribbon is currently used, e.g. web-page address, organization etc.
- Do NOT post, or redesign, awareness ribbons that are trademarked – , . Some ribbons, including style, color, and design are copyrighted, you should thoroughly research the ribbon design you are wishing to submit to avoid possible copyright infringement.
- To avoid listing several different ribbons and/or designs for the same cause the awareness ribbon and/or design you wish to submit MUST be recognized as the most popular one chosen for the cause it represents – Different styles and colors recognized by different countries are OK.
To submit an awareness ribbon, or if you know a ribbon/cause we have listed is not correct, or if you know of an awareness ribbon color or cause we have missed, please contact us.
How Exercise Affects Diabetes Risk And Management
Week 4 : Step Up and Thrive The group encourages those inspired by the previous steps and their personal progress to be advocates for more funding, healthcare access, and affordable treatments. Its advocacy hub is at Diabetes.org/advocacy.
Meanwhile, the JDRF, which is focused on type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, will unveil programming around the theme Movers, Shakers, T1D Changemakers. Activities will include conferences and fundraising walks in cities around the United States and local galas. Team JDRF will take part in the New York City Marathon, too. The latest activities for Diabetes Awareness Month will be listed at JDRF.org/ndam.
Beyond the activities of these U.S.-based organizations, groups around the globe will observe World Diabetes Day on November 14, 2021. The theme, which will be used through 2023, is Access to Diabetes Care. It was chosen to highlight the barriers to getting the medicine, technologies, support, and care millions need to manage the disease 100 years after insulin was first used for diabetes treatment. The centenary of the discovery of insulin presents a unique opportunity to bring about meaningful change for the more than 460 million people living with diabetes and the millions more at risk, according to the International Diabetes Federation.
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Clarity Regarding The Symbol For Diabetes
Until 2006 there was no single symbol for diabetes. In that year, the United Nations adopted the blue circle as the international symbol of diabetes. Before that, many people in the diabetes community used a grey ribbon.
Ribbons had been used for causes like AID and breast cancer. There was hope in the diabetes community that using a grey ribbon would bring that same recognition for people living with diabetes.
The grey ribbon eventually had a drop of red added to it. This was further meant to make the diabetes symbol stand out. As ribbons gained popularity, a third option was warn. The red ribbon representing the American Diabetes Association was being used by some people.
In 2006, the International Diabetes Federation put out a call to create a new diabetes symbol. They wanted a symbol that would be recognized by everyone in the world. Kari Rosenfeld and her daughter Clare had just the symbol. They created a blue circle.
Diabetes Awareness Month: Everything You Need To Know
Diabetes is an epidemic here in the United States. Because of this, we must continue to raise awareness of this disease.
The diabetes community has worked to raise awareness for the disease through Diabetes Awareness Month, which takes place every November. Whether youre curious about the history of Diabetes Awareness Month, want to learn more about what diabetes is, or how you can help support those with diabetes, keep reading to find that out and more.
To kick things off, lets go over some common frequently asked questions about Diabetes Awareness month.
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Why Is A Blue Circle Used As A Symbol For Diabetes
The blue in the newest diabetes symbol represents the sky and the flag of the United Nations. According to Diabetes Mine, the circle symbolizes life, Mother Earth, and health. The unbreakable unity it represents mirrors the global diabetes community.
On December 20, 2006, the United Nations passed the World Diabetes Day resolution. It was on this day that the blue circle was officially recognized worldwide as the symbol of diabetes.
Download a variety of FREE diabetes awareness images using the link below.
What Is Diabetic Kidney Disease
NISHIOHMIYA” alt=”What color is diabetes awareness > NISHIOHMIYA”> Diabetic Kidney Disease, or DKA, is the type of kidney disease that is caused by diabetes mellitus. You may hear DKA referred to by other names, such as Chronic Kidney Disease, or Diabetic Nephropathy. Its all the same thing. Check out our article here to learn more about Diabetes and Renal Failure.
As the leading cause of kidney disease, one fourth of people with diabetes have kidney or renal disease. Years of high blood sugars damage the kidneys, and the filtration system doesnt work properly. As the blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged, blood flow to the kidneys is compromised. Kidney damage puts a strain on the heart, and other organs.
Will you see changes in your urine with DKA?
This is when you can see changes in your urine, related to the state of your kidneys. You could see a marked decrease in the amount of urine that is made, dark amber urine, and other symptoms.
Kidney disease with diabetes is not inevitable, and there are ways that people with diabetes can protect their kidneys from damage, and prevent DKA.
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Help A Patient With Leg & Foot Ulcers
Sometimes insurance isnt enough when the only medication that gives you hope costs more than insurance will provide. This requires thousands of dollars in co-pays or other out-of-pocket costs. Hundreds of patients, many whom are diabetic, who are being treated are choosing between their health and their familys financial livelihood.
No one should have to suffer losing a limb because they cannot afford treatment.
Can A Type 1 Diabetic Get A Tattoo
Summary. People with type 1 diabetes can get tattoos, provided their blood sugar levels remain under control throughout the process. They should avoid getting tattoos on their feet, ankles, shins, or buttocks, as these places may have poor circulation. They should also avoid their regular insulin injection sites.
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Why Is The Color Of My Urine Telling Me
- Orange urine
When an excess amount of B vitamins is removed from the blood, and excreted through urine, the resultant urine is a light orange in color. Medications, such as Rifampin and Phenazopyridine can change the color of urine, and make it turn orange. Liver or bile duct problems can also cause orange urine.
- Dark brown, or amber urine
When blood gets in the urine, its termed, hematuria. This can be a sign of many different medical problems, and should be evaluated by your provider. Dark brown urine can indicate rhabdomyolysis, Gilberts Syndrome, or jaundice from liver problems.
- Black or dark brown urine
If a person notices black or very dark colored urine, this is called, melanuria. This can be caused by a condition called, acute intermittent porphyria, or from a skin cancer called melanoma.
- Pink or red urine
When eating certain foods, it can change the color of your urine. Beets and carrots, blackberries and rhubarbs, for example, can turn urine pink or reddish. Asparagus and foods with green food dyes may give urine a green color. It could be that your urine is pink or reddish due to blood in your urine, so unless you are sure the color is a result of the food you atge, see your doctor. If there is blood in your urine, it can be from kidney problems, a urinary tract infection, prostate problems, or even from cancer .
- Blue/green urine
- Purple urine
- White urine, milky
The What Ifs Of Type 1 Diabetes
What if
- he doesnt wake up when he is low?
- he miscalculates his dose of insulin?
- he goes low while driving and gets in an accident?
- we couldnt afford his insulin or supplies?
- he goes into DKA while at college will he recognize the signs will he get help in time?
This endless spiral of doom and gloom can only be repelled by the sunshine of knowing that he can handle this. He has the knowledge, and he isnt alone. Hes got this if a complication occurs, and hes got us. Diabetes will not win. We, as a family, will not allow it.
However, type 1 diabetes is color blind. Everyone is fair game and it refuses to play by any rules. It brings on a rainbow of emotions. But, we will never stop looking for the pot of gold at the end of that rainbow. Is the pot of gold a cure? Maybe someday, but today our pot of gold is seeing 100 on the meter and knowing we can conquer this incurable disease.
Filed Under: General
About Lisa Oberndorfer
Lisa Oberndorfer has more than 20 years of fundraising and organizational management experience. As a play chair for the Pleasure Guild of Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, she led a team of over 40 individuals to reach their goal of raising more than $225,000 for the pediatric oncology unit.
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Who Shouldnt Get A Tattoo
Big Reasons You Should Never Get A Tattoo
- You dont know your tattoo artist. Shutterstock.
- Youre looking for a job. Shutterstock.
- You havent really thought it through.
- Youre worried about being judged.
- Youre planning to become pregnant.
- Never get one near your sweat glands.
- Youve had skin cancer.
- Youre sick with a virus.
How To Reduce The Risk For Type 2 Diabetes
Meaningful change takes time, but that does not mean individuals cannot take immediate action to improve their health and reduce their risk of diabetes, said Dr. Campbell.
Our experts agreed that key steps people can take to reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes or help manage their existing disease include:
- eating a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods
- taking regular physical activity
- getting regular and restorative sleep
These small steps can add up to improvement in health over time, Dr. Campbell explained.
Dr. Egede also encouraged people of color living with type 2 diabetes to participate in research to help address health disparities. Research can help healthcare providers identify ways to help people make healthier decisions that reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes.
These studies create the evidence base for policy change. If we cannot have the voices of those most affected represented in this evidence base, it is hard to generate a policy that accounts for everyones lived experience, said Dr. Egede.
If youre interested in getting involved in research, you can find studies that are currently recruiting patients on the National Institutes of Healths ClinicalTrials.gov website or by talking with your doctor or another healthcare professional.
While the health disparities in diabetes are long-standing and multilevel, I am very optimistic about the future, said Dr. Egede.
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