How to Be a Diabetes Advocate

If you or a friend has diabetes, one of the best ways you can help in the cause for a cure is to become an advocate. There are numerous ways to get involved, whether it be with informing others about the disease, contacting lawmakers, or just spreading the word about the realities of living with this chronic illness. Here are some ways to get started as a diabetes activist.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Get the facts. There are many misconceptions about diabetes, and sometimes the best way to get funding for a cure is to help dispel the myths. Some people assume, for example, that one doesn’t get diabetes unless they are overweight or unhealthy. Still others feel that diabetics “bring it on themselves” because of the way they’ve lived. Help drive out these incorrect assumptions by learning about the types of diabetes. For instance, Type 1 diabetics often get the disease as children, or when they are exceptionally healthy and fit young adults. While Type 2 diabetes is often hereditary and shown in individuals who are heavy, there are many overweight folks who never contract the disease. Inform yourself and then the people closest to you what the correct facts really are.
2. Help support the cause. There are several ways to assist with funding for diabetes research. The American Diabetes Association website (http://www.diabetes.org) has a plethora of information on how to help give money, time, and donations to aid in the fight to cure diabetes. You can purchase Christmas cards, partake in workplace giving, participate in an event, or volunteer just to name a few.
3. Contact legislators. Funding is key to improving the lives of diabetics. People often incorrectly assume that insulin cures diabetes. It doesn’t. Even with insulin, diabetics often have to deal with other maladies related to the harmful effects of the disease, such as neuropathy, blindness, and heart attack, among others. The American Diabetes Association makes it easy for you to inform your senators and congressmen that you expect them to support diabetes research. Sign up for email updates to learn about bills currently being voted on and how they may help improve the lives of diabetics.
4. Become aware of existing opportunities. There are several people in the world trying to raise awareness for diabetes. Authors, celebrities, sports figures, and others affected by the disease have charities and gift giving opportunities already set up. Keep your eyes peeled for the American Diabetes Association logo, watch for blogs and emails that mention diabetes-related foundations, and join in the conversation when you hear people talking about fundraising events. Once you become aware of the disease, you’d be surprised at how often you hear or read about it in everyday life.
5. Stay informed with email alerts. Google has a convenient way to find out about news and events related to diabetes. Simply go to: http://www.google.com/alerts and indicate the words you’d like to be notified about. When that word is mentioned in a news article or blog, you receive an email with a link. You word choice could simply be “diabetes” or “diabetic.” If you prefer, you could add to your list to include “funding,” “research,” or “living with diabetes.” Vary the search words as you see fit. You can sign up for one email daily that lists all the links containing the words you’ve indicated. This is a quick and easy way to stay ahead of the buzz on diabetes.
6. Want to bring more awareness to the disease? Highlight others getting the word out by mentioning them on your website or blog. Provide information on important legislative votes, or simply help dispel the myths. In doing so you'll help provide hope and encouragement to diabetics and their families.