Overview
Ice cream or yogurt? Regular or diet soda? These may not be critical decisions at your dinner table - unless you're one of nearly 18 million Americans living with Diabetes today.
People with Diabetes face daily challenges. To remain healthy, they must monitor their blood sugar levels, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Some people also need to take insulin to stay alive.
In an effort to recognize champions of these challenges, Eli Lilly and Co. established the LillyforLife Achievement Award in 2002. The award celebrates the inspiring achievements of people of all ages who live with Diabetes.
Key Information
Those recognized do not have to be well known or famous for their achievements but can be everyday people who have accomplished or are working toward exceptional personal success.
This year, Lilly has expanded the award program to include not only people with Diabetes but also anyone impacted by the condition or involved with the Diabetes community.
Categories of submission include: patients age 18 or over; patients age 17 or under; professionals; caretakers or spouses; and journalists.
What You Need to Know
One person from each category will be selected by a panel of judges to receive this special award. Applicants are eligible to apply for one category. Peer or self-nominations are accepted from the public through Aug. 30, 2004.
Last year, Rick Largent was honored with the first ever LillyforLife Achievement Award. Largent has been living with type 1, or insulin-dependent, Diabetes for 25 years. He has faced extraordinary challenges during his life beyond Diabetes. An unfortunate accident left him quadriplegic, and he later lost his 19-year-old daughter to cancer.
Largent neglected to control his blood sugar, putting himself at risk for Diabetes-related complications. It was not until he began using an insulin pump that he started taking control of his health again.
Largent began traveling cross-country sharing his story and teaching others that anything is possible when Diabetes is managed well. He also visited Capitol Hill in an effort to educate policymakers on the dual dilemma of Diabetes and disabilities.
Largent's resilience to conquer Diabetes and quadriplegia represents the kind of spirit the LillyforLife Achievement Award stands for. As many who live with Diabetes know, if the disease is managed, there's no reason you can't achieve your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is diabetes and how is it managed?
Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body cannot regulate blood sugar properly. Management involves a combination of medication, healthy eating, regular physical activity, and blood sugar monitoring. Type 1 requires insulin therapy, while Type 2 can often be managed with lifestyle changes plus oral medications or insulin.
❓ Can lifestyle changes reverse Type 2 diabetes?
For many people, significant weight loss, a low-carbohydrate diet, and regular exercise can put Type 2 diabetes into remission - meaning blood sugar returns to normal without medication. This is not a cure, but sustained lifestyle change can dramatically improve outcomes and delay complications.
❓ What foods should people with diabetes limit?
People with diabetes benefit from limiting refined sugars, white bread, sugary drinks, processed foods, and high-glycaemic-index carbohydrates. Focus instead on non-starchy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats. Portion control and consistent meal timing are equally important.
❓ How often should blood sugar be checked?
Frequency depends on type and treatment. Those on insulin may check 4-10 times daily. Those managing with diet or oral medication might check once or twice daily, or less. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides real-time data without finger-prick testing. Always follow your healthcare provider's guidance.
❓ When should someone see a doctor about diabetes?
See a doctor if you experience unexplained thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, or persistent fatigue. Those already diagnosed should have check-ups every 3-6 months for HbA1c, blood pressure, kidney function, eye exams, and foot checks.