TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Diabetes: a serious medical condition that millions of people are diagnosed with — and it doesn’t target a certain age, race or gender.

It is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States.

Growing up, I personally didn’t understand when my nana would say, “My sugar is low”. Or I would watch her poke herself with a foreign matter that left small bruises on her body. A few years later I learned that “foreign matter” was actually insulin.

During November, we are bringing attention to diabetes. It is Diabetes Awareness Month. 

On today’s episode of ‘Rooted in Progress’ we are highlighting the importance of this deadly disease. We are joined by Dr. Kathryn Syed from Gracepoint Health Care.

She breaks down what diabetes is, the different types, as well as signs of symptoms. As mentioned, this disease doesn’t have a certain age attached to it.

Also joining the conversation is local advocate Antoinette Watkins. She was diagnosed with type one diabetes at the age of six! Over the last 13 years she has learned to manage the chronic disease.

Watkins is also the founder of the nonprofit organization DiaBaddie, which represents minority youth with diabetes. It also awards scholarships to send them to specialized camps in Florida.