Since the University of Alberta’s discovery of a ‘practical cure’ for type 1 diabetes (T1D), the McGlenister family has taken action in support of the associated HEADing to 2022 initiative by collecting empty bottles in and around their hometown of Woodstock, ON.
The leading forces behind the bottle fundraiser included Maggie McGlenister and her son, Jack McGlenister, and with the support of their community they raised $5,000 for the HEADing to 2022 campaign.
The McGlenister’s decision to get involved with the HEADing to 2022 initiative was a no brainer because by spreading awareness about the life-altering challenges type 1 diabetics face, more attention is brought towards finding a sustainable long-term cure for T1D.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s pancreas fails to properly produce insulin, the hormone that’s required to control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. According to the Canadian Institute of Health Research, when a pancreas fails to properly produce insulin or is completely inactive, individuals are subjected to dietary changes (including carb counting), 24/7 monitoring of glucose levels, and lifelong insulin injections.
A common misconception about type 1 diabetics is that their lifestyles lack proper nutrition or regular exercise. This is blatantly incorrect. Type 1 diabetes is a genetic condition that often shows up early in life and occurs because the immune system is attacking and destroying the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Whereas type 2 diabetes is mainly lifestyle-related and develops over time (source: Diabetes UK).
Finding a biological cure for type 1 diabetes through fundraising and research would help doctors figure out how to help the body start producing its own insulin again and thus restore blood sugars to normal levels. What this would mean for those living with type 1 diabetes is no more daily insulin injections, no more weekly changing of their Dexcom, no more fluctuations in their energy and mood, overall less stress when it comes to living life, and most significantly an equal chance at living a long life.
If you’re interested in getting involved in the fight for a cure, below are some resources that directly invest or donate to type 1 diabetes research.
HEADing to 2022 – Help Eliminate all diabetes
McGlenister Hockey 