2. The symptoms
Too often we hear stories of misdiagnosis both because individuals do not know they have the symptoms of type 1, or because medical professionals do not consider a person to be at risk.
Type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, and the symptoms are as follows:
- Extreme Thirst
- Weight Loss
- Abdominal Pain
- Constant Hunger
- Fatigue
- Frequent Urination
- Blurred Vision
- Nausea/Vomiting
If you or a family member has two or more of these symptoms you should ask your doctor to test for type 1 diabetes. The initial test is very simple - a fingerprick and 5 second test is all it takes to determine if you need further clinical testing.
Early identification of these symptoms could save your life or the life of a loved one.
3. The daily battle
We felt it was important to give real life examples of what we had just spoken about so we shared personal diagnosis stories and also gave an insight into the daily battle that is type 1.
We spoke about the support and information JDRF provides as well as the peer support program we run for adults with type 1 in Melbourne called Type One Tastings.
4. The search for a cure
Finding a cure for type 1 is the ultimate goal, so we felt it was important to share with the audience the fundraising work we do and the work that the funds go towards.
JDRFs research plan ensures that there will be an ongoing stream of life-changing therapies that lessen the impact of type 1 diabetes. They want to keep people with type 1 healthy and safe until they reach their ultimate goal of finding a cure and a way to prevent type 1.
Internationally JDRF has been involved in every major type 1 breakthrough over the last 40 years.
We thoroughly enjoyed presenting and talking to the guests at the Whitehorse Women's Forum, and are looking forward to finding more opportunities to raise awareness about the science, symptoms, daily battle and search for a cure for type 1 diabetes!
Click the image below to see some pics of the day.