During November, everyone was looking forward to warm turkey, delicious cranberry sauce and mouth-watering potatoes, but Thanksgiving shouldn’t be the only thing in mind.  November 1st marked the beginning of National Diabetes Awareness month. It is a time spent in which people take time to give recognition to diabetes and learn the effects it leaves on millions worldwide.  The average person has very minimal information regarding diabetes.  As many already know, Cannon Falls High School has it’s share of diabetic students that have taken control of their diabetes in their lives.

Diabetes consists of two main subcategories: Type 1, most commonly found in children and young adults, and Type 2, usually found in people that are overweight.  The most common of the two is Type 2 diabetes.  Diabetes affects the pancreas and it interferes with the pancreas’ ability to produce the hormone, insulin, which allows people to convert food into energy.  Diabetics need to wear insulin pumps in order to maintain their insulin levels and they have to check their blood sugar regularly (Webmd).  Diabetes affects millions worldwide and a few diabetics are students at our school.

Junior, Anna Schroeder, and Freshman, Kristina Allen, are both type 1 diabetics and have shared their personal experiences with diabetes.  They check their blood sugars 5-8 times a day, depending on their activity level, and both carry insulin pumps.  

Anna has had diabetes for as long as she can remember, since she was diagnosed at age five.  When she first came to Cannon Falls, she was nervous that people would see her differently for being diabetic.  “I felt awkward when I was in a situation where I had to test, because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself,” she explains. On the other hand, Kristina had a slightly different experience with diabetes.  She was diagnosed at age 12, one year following her sister, Katie’s, diagnosis.  She recollects how she reacted by saying, “My mom was the most freaked out, I kind of just adapted.  It really helped having my sister.”  Katie was a little stunned when she learned Kristina had diabetes.  She recollects by saying, “That was first time I heard of two siblings having it.  Also, we were diagnosed at almost the same age and around the same time. So, it was kind of weird.”  Diabetes impacts people in different ways, but is always life changing.
Diabetes isn’t a common, small talk topic, but bringing this disease to mind is an educational way to bring awareness.  Thus, the purpose of diabetes awareness month. During her seven years working at CFHS, nurse Pam Wulf has worked with ten diabetic students and she states, “Diabetes Awareness month is a great opportunity for people to learn more about diabetes.”  To support our students, dig through the closet and wear a blue shirt, in celebration of Diabetes Awareness Month.