Did you know that diabetes causes more deaths each year than AIDS and breast cancer combined? Scary, right? So what is Type 2 diabetes and what can you do to prevent yourself from developing this disease?
Use the resources below to learn about Type 2 Diabetes and then complete the activity.
Step #1: Read this paper from the American Diabetes Association to learn about the disease.
Step #2: Read the Diabetes Myths webpage.
Step #3: Write two short stories based on the following scenarios:
- Imagine that you create a character named Victor. Victor has Type 2 diabetes that his doctor says likely developed from his poor lifestyle choices. He spends money on medicine and his diet is restricted so that he can manage his disease. Write a short story that describes Victor’s likely lifestyle before he developed diabetes. What other factors besides lifestyle may have influenced his developing the disease?
- Now imagine a character named Samantha. She has lived a healthy life and never developed Type 2 Diabetes. How does her lifestyle likely differ from Victor’s? What other factors may have played a role in her not developing the disease?
Conclusion: What, if any, changes do you think you should make to your own life to decrease your chances of developing Type 2 Diabetes as you age?
