On January 19, 2003, Jordan Weiss, a fourth grade student at Mason-Rice School in Newton, Massachusetts passed away in his sleep from complications of undiagnosed diabetes.
To honor Jordan;s memory, the JBW Fund was established by his family, friends and community to foster awareness and education of the warning signs of diabetes. Sometimes the signs are obvious and sometimes the signs are subtle, limited and attributed to another illness. The latter was the case for Jordan.
Become familiar with the warning signs of diabetes. Knowledge is an important weapon against this disease and its complications.
Warning Signs of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes:
These symptoms can occur suddenly and must receive immediate medical attention.
Excessive thirst
Frequent urination, sometimes exhibited by bedwetting (in large quantities)
Blurry vision
Sugar in the urine
Sweet, fruity odor on breath
Increased hunger
Weight loss
Fatigue
Drowsiness, lethargy
Irritability and mood changes
Heavy, labored breathing
Confusion, Stupor, Unconsciousness
Type 2 Diabetes:
These symptoms occur gradually and must receive immediate medical attention.
Blurred vision
Tingling or numbness in the legs, feet or fingers
Darker patches of skin usually in neck folds
Drowsiness
Slow healing sores or frequent infections
Any of the symptoms listed under Type 1 diabetes
Many of these symptoms can be related to illnesses that are not associated with diabetes. This should be discussed with a health care provider.
For more information, talk to your school nurse or visit:
www.cdc.gov/diabetes or www.jdrf.org