WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Living with Diabetes

Living with Diabetes

By Ashley Porter - email

JACKSON, MS (WLBT) - Today at the state capitol, Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant was named the honorary chairman for the Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi.

health officials believe right now, thousands of Mississippians could have diabetes and not even know it.

If your a diabetic, here are three of the most important tips to know, as told to us by people who have dealt with the disease firsthand.  

Earlier this year, Breanna Wwens first found out she had type one diabetes.

"I was scared. I was just...i was so scared. I was crying and i just didn't know what to think" said Breanna. 

But seven months later.

"It's really nothing at all. It's kind of overwhelming at first, but then it becomes a part of life" concluded Breanna. 

And Breanna's mom, Anna, tells us it's crucial to pay attention to the signs.

"I had noticed her being very tired, and as a parent, you're just finding reasons for things" said Anna. 

Fatigue is one of the seemingly harmless symptoms of diabetes, along with being very hungry and thirsty. And losing an unusual amount of weight.

"I think God gave me wisdom. I actually got on the internet and started doing symptoms and diagnosis and she had every single one for Type 1 Diabetes" added Anna. 

Another important tip to know, diabetes can lead to complications.

"My mother, one day, had an automobile accident. And we were just puzzled. She couldn't remember what had happened, and it was a long period of trying to diagnose that" said Lieutennant Governor Phil Bryant. 

Bryant's mother turned out to have diabetes.

"Year after year, it seemed like it was worse. And finally kidney failure, dialysis, and eventually, we lost her to this disease" said Bryant. 

But for many other people, diabetes doesn't require a big lifestyle change.

"I mean, it just takes a little time out of your day to check your blood sugar and give yourself a shot" said Breanna. 

"Something that really bothered her at first when she was diagnosed is that 'I'm not going to be able to have birthday cake at a birthday party" said Anna. 

But occasionally, Breanna can indulge in her favorite sugary snack.

"A cookies and cream candy bar...love those" said Breanna with a smile. 

Mississippi leads the country in obesity, one of the main causes of type 2 diabetes.