Edison Turns Blue to Support Diabetes
Nov 5, 2009
Edison State College Building Turns Blue in Support of World Diabetes Day
Constant thirst, frequent urination and unable sleep - Gina Dengler of Fort Myers thought her 6-year old son Noah was just an active boy.
“If I had only known the signs and symptoms then,” said Dengler. “In hindsight, we knew something wasn’t quite right but the symptoms were subtle and we contributed them to a child playing in the Florida heat.”
The Dengler’s visited several doctors and an allergist, but no one was able to solve the mystery.
“I mentioned the situation we were experiencing to a hygienist on staff here at Edison State College,” said Gina. “She told me the two reasons these symptoms would happen out of the blue were a urinary tract infection or diabetes.”
A few days later, Noah was admitted to Health Park for high blood sugars – in 800’s. Normal fasting blood sugar should be around 80.
“Finally an answer,” said Gina. “But that answer came with a whole new lifestyle for our family.”
Noah was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This is caused by an autoimmune disorder - a problem with the body's immune system. In a healthy body, specialized cells (called beta cells) in the pancreas make insulin. Insulin is a hormone that allows the body to use energy from food. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakes beta cells for invaders and attacks them. When enough beta cells are destroyed, symptoms of diabetes appear, according to the American Diabetes Organization.
“We started with insulin injections, that means poking their fingers up to 10 times a day and taking insulin injections 6-8 times a day,” said Gina. “As a child, this was very hard to adapt to, not only for him but for us as well. As a parent, it is heart breaking to see him struggle with this everyday without a break and know this is what the rest of his life will be like without a cure.”
Noah was placed on an insulin pump one year ago. Now he receives one injection every three days. The pump provides better control of his blood sugar throughout the day, said Gina.
Diabetes kills just as many people as breast cancer or AIDS, yet most people have very little information about the symptoms and signs of the disease- especially Type 1 which is a genetic condition, according to the American Diabetes Organization.
Dengler says 95% of the care a diabetic receives is self care. “There has been a lack of communication to the public on the real facts of diabetes. Educating the public is crucial because without more information and knowledge, more people are experience avoidable complications and that can raise the cost of overall health care,” she said.
The United Nations enacted ‘World Diabetes Day’ in 2007 to raise awareness of the disease. The landmark resolution acknowledging this day recognizes diabetes as, “a chronic, debilitating and costly disease associated with major complications that pose severe risks for families, countries and the entire world.”
To show support for World Diabetes Day, a world-wide contest has emerged. Buildings around the world light up in blue to raise awareness for the disease. Gina researched the contest and found a void in Southwest Florida. So she approached her employer, Edison State College, where she works in the Dental Hygiene Department with the idea.
“As a College we absolutely strive to support causes that impact our community and particularly our staff,” said Dr. Noreen Thomas,” Edison State College Executive Vice President and Lee Campus President. “We hope the Southwest Florida will join us to show support.”
On Friday, November 13th, at sundown and through the weekend, Edison State College will become the first building in the area to take part in the WDD Monument Challenge, shedding blue light on Kenneth P. Walker Hall, the Health Sciences building on Lee Campus. (The official World Diabetes Day is Saturday, November 14th).
Media and community members are invited to a brief lighting ceremony.
World Diabetes Day Monument Challenge
Friday, November, 13th
Meet at 5:15pm - Lightening at Sundown
Walker Hall - Lighting Ceremony
8099 College Parkway (College Street Entrance)
Today Noah is 9 years old and living a successful and healthier life. But he, his family and Edison State College want to continue to raise awareness among the community.
For more information, please refer to the following web sites: http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/activities/wdd-monument-challenge, www.jdrf.org
Last Updated: November 5, 2009
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