The risk of developing diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, threatens over 11.6 percent of individuals in the United States (US). Factors such as lifestyle choices, genetic predisposition, and rising obesity rates cause the development of diabetes. Nationally more than 38 million individuals, including children, have either type one or two diabetes. November is Diabetes Awareness Month which honors the research for a cure and aims educate the public on its impacts, according to families usa.org. Freshman Hazel Hantam, who has type one diabetes, dedicates her life to de-stigmatizing the disease and raising awareness through her work at Sacred Heart Greenwich.
Type one diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes, occurs when the immune system destroys the pancreas’s insulin-producing cells. Without insulin, sugar cannot enter cells and instead builds up in the blood, causing high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. This form of diabetes is most common in children and young adults and develops gradually as the immune system continues to destroy beta cells over time until diagnosis. The goal of managing type one diabetes is to maintain blood sugar levels close to normal. This primarily involves insulin injections as the body cannot produce enough insulin on its own. Beyond insulin therapy, effective diabetes management also requires regular glucose monitoring, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and vigilance against potential complications, according to uofmhealth.org.
In contrast, type two diabetes presents a different set of challenges and causes. It typically occurs in people over 45 or in younger individuals due to obesity or genetic factors. Because types one and two diabetes have different causes, they also differ in their risk factors, diagnostic tests, treatment options, prevention strategies, and management priorities, according to uvahealth.com.
Diabetes Awareness Month is an opportunity for individuals to educate themselves about the treatments, causes, and long-term effects of diabetes. It is also a time to understand how this condition can significantly alter the lives of those affected and their families, as well as challenges they may face in their daily life. Every year, November marks the world’s largest diabetes awareness campaign. It reaches an audience of over one billion people across more than 160 countries, according to idf.org.
“I think the main way that diabetes has affected me is my physical and mental strength,” Hazel said. “All day, everyday, I have diabetes in the back of my mind. I have to do my best to prepare for such an unpredictable disease. I want to spread awareness through working with the JDRF club here at Sacred Heart. Also, I think I [should] spread awareness about not hiding the fact that I do have diabetes. All my peers know that I am always open to answering any questions because there are so many misleading lies out there.”
“I wanted to start this club because I has some family members who are affected by type one diabetes, and we want to educate people on the disease,” Meghan explained. “We hope to be able to answer any questions for those curious about it. Our main goal is to raise awareness and funds for JDRF which we will be doing throughout the entire year working directly with the organization.”
Featured image by Audrey Bakker ’26
