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American Diabetes Month^®: Building a True Picture

Nearly 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. Imagine a life free of diabetes and all of its burdens. That’s our vision. Raising awareness of this ever-growing disease is one of the main efforts behind the mission of the American Diabetes Association. November is American Diabetes Month and we have created a mosaic of photos of the extraordinary efforts it takes to live an ordinary day with diabetes. Upload a photo of a moment that captures what A Day in the Life of Diabetes means to you. Show us your day and help us build a true picture of what it means to live with diabetes.

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In a Race to Stop Diabetes: NASCAR’s Ryan Reed

When Ryan Reed, 20, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in February of 2011, he was told he’d never race again. This was devastating for Ryan because racing is a family affair. Ryan’s father, Mark Reed, is also a racecar driver. Even as a young child, Ryan demonstrated superior driving skills, winning numerous racing championships and events.

Then Ryan and his family found hope. He found Anne Peters, MD, of USC Clinical Diabetes Program in California who confirmed that with hard work, Ryan wouldn’t need to give up on his dreams of becoming a top NASCAR driver. Today, two years later, Ryan Reed is a NASCAR Nationwide driver for Roush Fenway Racing.

This year, Ryan teamed up with the American Diabetes Association to form the Drive to Stop Diabetes^SM campaign. The Drive to Stop Diabetes mobile movement focuses attention on educating the community on all types of diabetes.

“I am so excited to have the opportunity to work with the American Diabetes Association to help give back to those in the diabetes community by creating awareness and educating people on this disease,” Ryan said. “I’m fortunate to be able to do this using a platform that I’ve worked for since the age of four, which is auto racing. I was told two years ago that I wouldn’t be able to achieve my dream of being a NASCAR driver, and now I’m making my debut for Roush Fenway Racing in the No. 16 Drive to Stop Diabetes Ford Mustang Nationwide Series car at Richmond. That just shows life has no limits.”

Ryan’s No. 16 Lilly Diabetes Ford Mustang carried the American Diabetes Association's A Day in the Life of Diabetes mosaic paint scheme at Phoenix International Raceway on Nov. 9.

We are thankful for such a passionate diabetes advocate. Find out more about Drive to Stop Diabetes.

Purchase a Ryan Reed #16 Die Cast Car.

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Recipe of the Month

Applesauce Nut Bread

Pressed for time during the holidays? Try this simple-to-make, delicious recipe that’s perfect for serving at a holiday party or taking to a potluck. Worried about kids with nut allergies? Just skip the walnuts!

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Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes^® Ambassador: Jacob Vadini

Jacob Vadini is a typical 14-year old boy who loves school and sports. He plays football, baseball and wrestles in his spare time. He plays tailback in football, and catches and pitches for his baseball team. At 12 years old, Jacob was third in the state for wrestling.

But in addition to managing school and all his extracurricular activities, Jacob also manages to take care of his diabetes.

Jacob was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at three years old. “We were devastated by the diagnosis, until we became more educated about diabetes and knew Jacob could live a normal life,” said Michelle Vadini, Jacob’s mother.

It can be tough, but Jacob doesn’t let diabetes keep hold him back. “Most people that don’t know me would never know I have diabetes. Although it is very difficult to manage at times, I never use having diabetes as an excuse to not be able to compete at a very high level. I strive to be the best at everything I do in my life,” said Jacob.

This year, Jacob was selected as the 2013 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes Red Strider Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association in Cleveland. He is serving his first year as the Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association.

“I’m excited to lead the walk, raise money and awareness about diabetes,” said Jacob. “I hope to be a role model for other kids living with diabetes, and show them how they can live normal lives with diabetes.”

His mother echoed him saying, “We hope to bring awareness about diabetes, especially to children. We started a team to help raise money for research. We want to make a difference,” said Michelle Vadini, Jacob’s mother.

Learn how your child can become a Red Strider, like Jacob!

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Research Update: Potential Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

Dr. Elizabeth Bradshaw of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA is focusing her research on a protein called IL-21. This protein is found at increased levels in test subjects with type 1 diabetes. Dr. Bradshaw is looking at how this protein can help target type 1 diabetes treatment.

Learn more about this research.

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Resources for You

The Affordable Care Act and Diabetes
Oct. 1 marked the first day people could start exploring plan options and signing up for health insurance through their state Health Insurance Marketplace (Marketplace), giving people with diabetes new health insurance coverage options. The Marketplace open enrollment period ends on March 31, 2014, with coverage for plans purchased effective as early as Jan. 1, 2014. Check out the American Diabetes Association’s Q&A document on the Marketplaces at www.diabetes.org/HealthInsuranceMarketplaces for more information.

In addition, the New Year marks other exciting coverage changes, including the end to discrimination based on diabetes in the insurance market. For information on changes to health insurance rules check out the American Diabetes Association’s Health Insurance Update document at www.diabetes.org/HealthInsuranceUpdate2014.

Sign up for the Diabetes Docket
Want more information about your child’s legal rights as a person living with diabetes? Subscribe to Diabetes Docket. This new quarterly e-newsletter will provide information about diabetes discrimination, what it is, how to prevent it and what to do if it happens to your family. It also includes a “Parents Corner” with school-specific issues.

Subscribe today.

If you are currently experiencing diabetes discrimination, please call 1-800-DIABETES (342-2383) to get help from the American Diabetes Association. Our legal advocates can offer free help and guidance for your problem.

Everyday Wisdom Kit
The Everyday Wisdom™ Kit is a tool designed to help families of children with type 1 diabetes live with diabetes everyday. It offers information, tools and even a game to help families start talking about diabetes. Order your free kit today.

Safe Diabetes Sitter
It’s never easy leaving your child with a sitter, but when your child has diabetes, it can be even harder. Here’s a tool that can help you make sure you leave your sitter with all the information they need to know.

Download the Safe Diabetes Sitter’s Guide.

Learn more about finding a sitter for your child with diabetes.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season! Thanks for all you do in the fight to Stop Diabetes^®.

Looking for ways to get more involved in 2014? Find out more about your local Association chapter and our programs.