CULLMAN — On Thursday, November 12, 2015, Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson officially proclaimed the month of November 2015 “Diabetes Awareness Month” in the City of Cullman.
Type 1 diabetes, previously known as juvenile diabetes, affects over 1.25 million children and adults. Roughly 40,000 more are diagnosed with this disease each year. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by a poor diet or lack of exercise. It is an autoimmune disease where the pancreas does not produce insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone used to convert sugar, starches, and other food into energy. Without it, Type 1 diabetics must constantly balance blood sugar levels 24 hours a day just to stay alive.
“Type 1 diabetes is a very serious disease that affects many people in our very own community,” said Townson. “I am glad that there are organizations and people who work to raise awareness of this disease and who seek to one day find a cure.”
The JDRF (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) is the leading global organization funding research for Type 1 diabetes, and the largest nongovernment funder of T1D research. JDRF seeks to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the funding of research and new therapies. Their ultimate goal is achieving a world free from Type 1 diabetes.
The Cullman Community Lions Club is a local supporter of diabetes research and education. They place a major emphasis on the education, treatment, and prevention of diabetes. They sponsor many activities and events throughout the year to raise awareness of the disease, and they have helped many in our community living with diabetes.
“I am pleased to proclaim November ‘Diabetes Awareness Month’ in Cullman and I encourage all of our citizens to support the efforts of JDRF, the Cullman Community Lions Club, and other organizations that support funding for Type 1 diabetes research,” added Townson.
Present in the Mayor’s Office to accept the proclamation was JDRF Executive Director Tracy Smith, Bill and Deborah Chambers (advocates for diabetes awareness and research), William Owens (brother of Type 1 diabetic Matthew Owens), and Cullman Community Lions Club members Steve Hogland, Charles Osborne, and Patty Miller.
For more information about JDRF and Type 1 diabetes visit JDRF.org. For more information about the Cullman Community Lions Club and their mission to support efforts in diabetes education and research, visit cullmancommunitylions.com or call 256-739-0131.
