The fight to cure, better treat, and prevent type 1 diabetes!
This year, Jennifer Okemah, Director of WWMG’s Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center, is taking part in the 100-mile Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s (JDRF) Ride to Cure Diabetes. The event takes place September 19-22 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Okemah will join hundreds of other bike riders across the country to improve the lives of all people affected by type 1 diabetes (T1D). If you ask people with T1D, they will tell you that the disease is difficult and life-threatening. And they know it never goes away.
As a Certified Diabetes Educator, Okemah works every day to try to make the lives of those with diabetes a little bit more manageable. She will ride in the honor of some of her patients and their families who struggle the most.
Did you know that:
- T1D is an autoimmune disease that comes on suddenly and strikes both children and adults at any age?
- T1D has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle?
- Those living with T1D must carefully balance insulin doses with eating and daily activities throughout the day and night?
- Those living with T1D must test their blood sugar by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day?
As the leader of the type 1 diabetes community, JDRF unifies global efforts to cure, treat and prevent T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered.