March: Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body gets confused and attacks its own normal cells.

There are over 80 known autoimmune diseases.

DID YOU KNOW..?

Women are at a greater risk to develop an autoimmune disease than a man.

Other populations that are more at risk to develop an autoimmune disease:

✔️Those with a family history

✔️Exposure to environmental factors

✔️Certain ethnic groups

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease-- it's irreversible, there is no cure (for now), and causes destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. This means, my #diabuddies need to give themselves (life-saving) insulin throughout the day via a syringe or insulin pump, in order to survive.

Insulin, when given in excess, can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). We try our best to avoid this, but it's inevitable- it comes with the territory.

Low blood sugars need to be treated promptly and with fast acting carbohydrates.

Things I treat my low blood sugars with:

✔️ Fruit

✔️ 100% fresh, cold-pressed juice

✔️ @transcendfoods (which are convenient and easy to carry with you)

So, until there is a cure, please make yourself aware of the symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it. You could save a life!