Diabetes education and support in diverse communities

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Diabetes: A serious medical condition that millions of people are diagnosed with — does not target a specific age, race or gender.

It is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States.

Growing up, I myself never understood when my nana said “low sugar.” Or watching her poke herself with a foreign object, leaving small bruises on her body. Years later, I learned that the “foreign object” was actually insulin.

Diabetes will be the focus of attention in November. It's Diabetes Awareness Month.

Today's episode of Rooted in Progress highlights the importance of this deadly disease. Dr. Kathryn Syed from Gracepoint Health Care joins us.

She details what diabetes is, the different types, and the signs of the condition. As mentioned earlier, there is no specific age associated with this disease.

Local activist Antoinette Watkins also joins the conversation. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 6 years old. Over the past 13 years, she has learned how to manage her chronic illness.

Watkins is also the founder of DiaBaddie, a nonprofit organization representing minority youth with diabetes. We also offer scholarships to send to professional camps in Florida.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Visit WFLA for the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video.

Related posts

Free Diabetes Education Program Returns to Pasadena Senior Center – Pasadena Now

Personalize Gamified Diabetes Education for Kids with Amazon Bedrock

Baytown San Houston Methodist Baytown donates $7.5 million to Diabetes Gala Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital is a top-level sponsor of the next Diabetes Gala on January 25th. Hospital has diabetes. …20 hours ago