Type 1 Diabetes Advertisement Analysis

From the outsider's perspective a diabetic’s life has most likely taken shape into many stereotypes. Without there being a 1st hand connection to this disease, or the proper education, there are many gaps between the standard knowledge and the specialized information that goes along with type 1 and 2 diabetes. Managing diabetes and prediabetes is challenging, especially when those around you of skills were not given the proper form to assist themselves or others concerning the nutritional and the process of digestion.

Society has conveyed a false advertisement about the diabetic community. Grouping all diabetics, type 1, and type 2, is not the way these diseases should be represented. According to the ADA ( American Diabetes Association)
1.4 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year, this not including the 1.25 million Americans who already suffer from type 1 diabetes ,also known as juvenile, or insulin dependent (Statistics About Diabetes). The common student, or young adult may only have heard bits and pieces of the true effects of diabetes, or perhaps just a common definition they learned in health. When exploring the nutritional and the digestion process of a diabetics everyday life, there are certain key factors that the uninformed may not know in comparison to those, not directly involved but are connected through a loved one. Conroe high’s student, Rylee Burkhalter does not deal with diabetes herself , but has a dad, Andy Burkhalter, who contracted type 2 diabetes at the age of 20 ,through his poor actions in nutrition, and lack of knowledge of his digestion needs. “Even today I can see the constant trails he goes through, the expenses that will forever be, and the effects he feels that my family notices, “ Rylee informed me during an interview. Rylee, who is a senior at Conroe, tells me of the lifestyle change a diabetic will make, and continue to follow at their own pace. For those not directly involved, there is still a stance and role they play in the illness. In order to successfully assist her father, Rylee needs to not only know the basic information about diabetes, but to also be invested in the specialized details that go into what could possibly help herself as well as her dad.

Taking a step further into the reality diabetics face, I not only wanted to look into those who knew of those suffering, but more importantly those who suffer. Looking from the outside in, Conroe High School’s students and faculty don't seem to be dealing with much more than their jobs at hand. A good friend of mine, and a hardworking Conroe high student, Kennedy Kesterson was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 4. Passionate about the details others should know Kennedy stated , “We can eat sugar, no I wouldn't recommend I eat the whole cake, but neither should you. I want my peers to understand that nutritionally I'm doing what's best for me and what would keeps me stable.” The way diabetics deal with their blood sugar is not understood by most but when you speak to a diabetic, the simplicity of what they consume, actually could help you. Although Kennedy has a chronic condition she could not control, type 2 diabetes can sneak up on someone who is not aware of the possible reality. Ranging from children, teenagers ,and into adulthood, the possibility of type 2 diabetes, is now considered to be an epidemic in America's society.

Even more alarming is the increasing cases and the effects that they have caused.
From an increased risk of heart failure, to sadly the 7th leading cause of death in America today, the illness is nothing to joke or to be taken lightly (Simple Steps to Preventing Diabetes). However, as mentioned before the malady is often very different from person to person. Mr. Chandler an AP and Dual credit teacher at Conroe high is known to be very open to the experiences he deals with his type 1 diabetes. “I would say everyone should be taught and understand glycemic index, the number associated with a particular type of food, and the effect it has on one’s body. Apart of this understanding, those who do not have this issue should realize I have my health under control. If I decide to eat a sweet, I have thought it through, and I don’t feel it's necessary for you to remind me I have diabetes.” Digestion of more sugar based foods is not necessarily harder to digest, but rather doesn't stay in the body long enough for one to make energy or other proteins for one's self (Matthan). Lastly from Isabelle Newton’s perspective , a Conroe high school custodian and diabetic. She believes one can become enlightened to what she presumes to be the start for young people to make this knowledge more of a priority, “It starts at home ,with your parents teaching you the right eating habits. Not only this, but the school plays a huge role in the increasing child diabetes. It doesn't take more effort to make good food, and if more staff is needed so be it, because I see the trash the kids throw away, I can't imagine what they put in their bodies.” The students and staff at Conroe high see ways to change and inform the people who are willing to listen, nutrition and the process of digestion have components that should be looked further into and
understood.

Outreaching to our community can seem like an impossible task when the habits that inhabit our generation are so deeply integrated, and continue to worsen. A collection of diabetics and outsider’s views to me shows that there are ways to teach the people new and important information. We can make the nutrition and other specific needs that cause prediabetes a priority through classes, or just installing it into households. Whatever the solution, there is room for change and more respect towards the illness that can be a possibility for us, and our loved ones. Lets treat our community like our family, and listen to their needs.