There are over 100 children in Houston County Schools with Type One Diabetes. I spoke to Lead Nurse for the County's schools to learn a little bit more about the disease.

Kathryn Shiplett says the main difference between Type1 and Type 2 diabetes is Type one is insulin dependent.. and type 2 is treated through diet, exercise, and medication. Doctors still aren't sure what causes type one diabetes, and it can begin at any stage of life. Belinda's daughter was in Kindergarten, and just couldn't seem to get well after having strep throat. After further testing, doctors found her daughter's blood sugar was at a level of 900, when a reading between 100 and 150 is normal.

After learning how scary it can be to hear your child's diabetes diagnosis, Belinda found comfort in a Diabetes Support Group in Atlanta. Upon moving to Warner Robins, she couldn't find a support group in the area, so she contacted the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation... or JDRF... and started her own support group for Middle Georgia families. When a child is diagnosed with diabetes at a Middle Georgia Hospital, their contact information is sent to Belinda and the volunteers at the support group. They then contact the family with information about the group and an understanding ear.

Because diagnosing Type one diabetes too late can be fatal, Belinda says the support group also trying to bring awareness about diabetes testing.

For more information about the Middle Georgia support group, you can contact Belinda at 678-891-8196 or join the Facebook group: Middle GA JDRF Support Group.