Helping Southern Alberta Residents Share Diabetes Diagnosis and Raise Awareness-Lethbridge

The family in Taber, Arta uses a very personal diagnosis to spread awareness about diabetes.

“He couldn’t answer the question with more than one word, he just couldn’t follow orders such as lowering his chin,” said Erica Hughes.

“So we were really worried really soon, and of course dyspnea, when we took him to the hospital, our hearts went to COVID-19 right away. , COVID was a concern at the time, “she added.

It turned out not to be COVID-19. Hughes’ 6-year-old son, Grant, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes two months ago.

Grant depends on insulin for the rest of his life, so the family is doing his best to manage it.

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“There are certainly days when it’s sometimes overwhelming, trying to think about what he ate, especially because we’re not used to this, it was a really good meal,” Hughes said.

Hughes continues that school is very good at checking his blood sugar several times a day while sending his son to school is more stressful. She also added that Grant has become accustomed to approaching his teacher whenever he feels he needs to be checked.

Hughes shares his son’s diagnosis because he wants others to know about symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, blurred vision, increased thirst, irritability, and signs of early warning. Is called.

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Grants usually require you to check your blood sugar 4-10 times a day and take insulin twice a day. He is also taking two types of insulin.

Hughes says she is happy that her husband has a good drug plan that covers all of Grant’s prescription drugs and devices. Of course, it’s not accessible to everyone.

Lacy Tomlinson has been suffering from type 1 diabetes for two years and was diagnosed at the age of 27, she says.

Tom Linson complains that all the supplies and techniques she needs to monitor her blood glucose daily are very expensive. She says getting the supplies she needs is even more worrisome for those who don’t have good insurance.

Tom Linson says she used two insulin pumps, which were sometimes rough vehicles.

“It’s really hard to deal with life and yourself if you keep an eye on your mental health, what you’re eating, how much insulin you have to take,” she said. ..

“It’s important that you have a supportive family and loved ones around you,” Tomlinson added.

Diabetes is a growing concern worldwide and in the states, according to Alberta Health, affecting 350,000 people in Alberta. The number is expected to increase.

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“The population is growing and the population is aging,” said Richard LaRouche, an assistant professor of public health at the University of Lethbridge.

“Therefore, aging is one of the major risk factors for type 2 diabetes,” he added.

LaRouche states that increased obesity and unhealthy lifestyles such as not eating a healthy diet and not exercising well also increase the incidence of diabetes.

Regarding the effects of COVID-19 on diabetics, LaRouche states that the literature shows an increasing severity of the symptoms experienced by diabetics.

Diabetes is considered a risk factor for more serious COVID-19 outcomes, but findings published in medical journals Diabetology We have found that people with diabetic complications are more likely to die of the disease than people without additional health problems.

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“Special attention should be paid to older people with long-standing diabetes and advanced diabetic complications who are at high risk for fatal COVID-19,” the researchers wrote, limiting risk exposure to the virus. Suggested that it is important to do.

Other studies in the United Kingdom have found that both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are “independently associated with a significant increase in the risk of in-hospital mortality from COVID-19.”

Health Canada states that people over the age of 65 and those with a weakened immune system or underlying illness are at increased risk of more serious COVID-19 consequences.

But there is hope for those who have been diagnosed Dr. James Shapiro and his research team The University of Alberta recently showed that transplanting insulin-producing cells can improve diabetes in mice.

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Dr. Shapiro’s research team has set their goal as a way to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the successful first injection of insulin in 1922. Raise $ 22 Million By 2022, Canadian researchers will be able to adopt treatments from laboratories to diabetics around the world.

Human transplants are years away, but this study is promising news for families like Hughes.

“The form of treatment Dr. Shapiro has in Edmonton is just thrilling because it allows him to look like a normal child again,” Hughes said.

– Use Laura Hensley files