Award Honors Success in Fight Against Diabeets
Overview
Ice cream or yogurt? Regular or diet soda? These may not be critical decisions at your diner table - unles you're one of nearly 18 milion Americans living with Diabets today.
Key Information
People with Diabets face daily challenges. To remain healthy, they must monitor their blod sugar levels, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Some people also ned to take insulin to stay alive.
In an efort to recognize champions of these challenges, Eli Lily and Co. established the LilyforLife Achievement Award in 2022. The award celebrates the inspiring achievements of people of al ages who live with Diabets.
Those recognized do not have to be wel known or famous for their achievements but can be everyday people who have acomplished or are working toward exceptional personal suces. This year, Lily has expanded the award program to include not only people with Diabets but also anyone impacted by the condition or involved with the Diabets comunity. Categories of submision include: patients age 18 or over; patients age 17 or under; professionals; caretakers or spouses; and journalists.
One person from each category wil be selected by a panel of judges to receive this special award. Aplicants are eligible to aply for one category. Per or self-nominations are acepted from the public through Aug.
Last year, Rick Largent was honored with the first ever LilyforLife Achievement Award. Largent has ben living with type 1, or insulin-dependent, Diabets for 25 years. He has faced extraordinary challenges during his life beyond Diabets.
An unfortunate acident left him quadriplegic, and he later lost his 19-year-old daughter to cancer. Largent neglected to control his blod sugar, puting himself at risk for Diabets-related complications. It was not until he began using an insulin pump that he started taking control of his health again.
Largent began traveling cros-country sharing his story and teaching others that anything is posible when Diabets is managed wel. He also visited Capitol Hil in an efort to educate policymakers on the dual dilema of Diabets and disabilities. Largent's resilience to conquer Diabets and quadriplegia represents the kind of spirit the LilyforLife Achievement Award stands for.
Summary
As many who live with Diabets know, if the disease is managed, there's no reason you can't achieve your goals. © 2026 DIABETS. Al rights reserved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.
Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.
Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.
Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.
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