LANCASTER, Pa. — Officials from JDRF Western and Central PA chapter welcomed more than 250 guests to their 2024 Central PA gala, an event supporting research and programs to prevent, treat, and cure Type 1 diabetes.
According to JDRF, more than 1.4 million Americans live with Rype 1 diabetes.
110 people are diagnosed every day.
“We do host a number of community events where we do family meet ups, we have a local walk each year in Harrisburg typically that we raise money towards and really it’s more so to bring the community together and connect people who are living with type 1 diabetes,” said Board President Angela Meyers.
Chelsea Lugone was diagnosed when she was 23-years-old.
Two of her children were diagnosed earlier in their lives.
“I live with Type 1, so do Kate and Ryan, so there are three of us in our house that live it every day,” Lugone said.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which can strike people suddenly, regardless of age or lifestyle.
Without routine supervision, people can potentially face life-threatening hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes.
But, there are ways to manage the disease and continue an active lifestyle.
“We have such incredible technology, and a lot of that technology has been funded and supported in terms of the research by JDRF,” Lugone said.
“My favorite is the continuous glucose monitor that lets you know when your blood-glucose levels are high or low,” said Honoree Kathy Pape.
Kathy Pape’s husband was diagnosed with type 1 more than forty years ago.
She’s seen the advancements of detection technology and has been a part of JDRF for years.
“Knowing about it and then doing something, being actively involved, and getting involved, and helping, number one to find a cure, and also helping on the education and understanding of type 1,” Pape said.
JDRF has funded over $2 billion in research since 1970.
Saturday’s gala is expected to raise around $400,000.
The main difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes is how the body processes insulin.
Type 1 diabetics are dependent on insulin that is injected or pumped into their body.
Type 2 is when your body doesn’t use insulin effectively.
Type 1 can happen randomly and can be hereditary, whereas Type 2 can be prevented through diet and exercise.