What is diabetes?

"Type 1 diabetes is a disorder of the human immune system that makes it difficult for the body to produce insulin. Without insulin, the body cannot convert sugar from food into nutrients for cells. Excess sugar builds up in the blood stream and may eventually cause severe damage to organs and premature death.

Type 1 diabetes is a disease which can strike children and adults suddenly and requires supplemental insulin along with carefully regimented diet and exercise to manage properly.

Type 1 diabetes is generally diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes type 1 diabetes but believe that autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors are involved."  --jdrf.org

"Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. Type 2 diabetes, which is far more common, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin or doesn't make enough insulin.

Various factors may contribute to type 1 diabetes, including genetics and exposure to certain viruses. Although type 1 diabetes typically appears during adolescence, it can develop at any age.

Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure, although it can be managed. With proper treatment, people who have type 1 diabetes can expect to live longer, healthier lives than in the past."  --Mayo Clinic

Help me raise money for Lakewood Hospital to aid diabetic patients who cannot pay for their insulin.