Don Muchow, 59, is the first person to run from Disneyland in California to Disney World in Florida. This Texas native started this run back on Feb 1, 2020. Unfortunately, he would be stopped almost halfway through the run due to the covid pandemic and the world shutting down. A few stops and starts, a few days for the van to go into the shop, and he has finally reached his goal on April 5, 2021! He is not done yet, he continued onto the Atlantic to finish a coast-to-coast run at the same time.
When he reached the Magic Kingdom “He was greeted by the Walt Disney World park president & other leaders, assigned an official photographer & guest relations reps who took us into the park, to the front of the line on Its A Small World (our favorite ride, don’t judge) and gifted Don with a Mickey Mouse ice cream which was his only request (magical carbs but u still have to dose for them).” according to his Facebook page.
Why? No seriously! Why? I am not a runner and do not understand why you would do this. Until I read more about Don’s intentions. To raise awareness about Type 1 Diabetes, aka Juvenile Diabetes, or Early On-set diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). So let’s get into it, shall we? Let us help Don Muchow raise some awareness surrounding Type 1 diabetes. Below you will find facts about Type 1 diabetes and the 1.6 million people affected. (All facts and figures stated below have been referenced or directly copied from the Mayo Clinic, the JDFR, or the CDC)
Related: Keeping Diabetes Under Control at the Parks
- Type 1 diabetes, once known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
- Although type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can develop in adults.
- Despite active research, type 1 diabetes has no cure. Treatment focuses on managing blood sugar levels with insulin, diet, and lifestyle to prevent complications.
- The exact cause of type 1 diabetes is unknown. Usually, the body’s own immune system — which normally fights harmful bacteria and viruses — mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet, or islets of Langerhans) cells in the pancreas.
Type 1 diabetes signs and symptoms can appear relatively suddenly and may include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Bed-wetting in children who previously didn’t wet the bed during the night
- Extreme hunger
- Unintended weight loss
- Irritability and other mood changes
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
Consult your doctor if you notice any of the above signs and symptoms in you or your child.
Related: Ask a Disney Question: Dining Options for People with Diabetes.
Just to be aware of the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes I have listed a good description of Type 2 below. Most of the symptoms are the same.
In type 2 diabetes (which used to be called adult-onset or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) the body produces insulin, but the cells don’t respond to insulin the way they should. This is called insulin resistance. In response to this insulin resistance, the pancreas should make more insulin, but in the case of type 2 diabetes, this does not happen. Because of these two problems, insulin resistance and trouble making extra insulin, there is not enough insulin effect to move the glucose from the blood into the cells. Type 2 diabetes is more likely to occur in people who are over the age of 40, overweight, and have a family history of diabetes, although more and more younger people, including adolescents, are developing type 2 diabetes.
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