Learn About Diabetes & the JBW Fund
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
