12 Nov Five Quick Takeaways about T1D
It’s National Diabetes Awareness Month–a time to increase understanding of type one diabetes (T1D), to promote acceptance, and to build community. What do you wish people who don’t have T1D knew about living with this chronic condition?
1.
Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas (the beta cells). The pancreas stops producing insulin.
2.
Insulin, a hormone, is not a cure.
Insulin is the hormone that allows energy to enter our cells. Everyone needs insulin to live. People with T1D must take insulin multiple times a day either with an insulin pump or injection. Insulin is a treatment. There is no cure for T1D. It doesn’t go away, and no one outgrows it. For people with T1D, insulin is required 24/7 for the rest of their lives.
3.
Type 1 Diabetes is not preventable, reversible, or contagious.
T1D is NOT caused by diet and lifestyle choices. The cause of T1D is unknown. It’s impossible to “catch” any type of diabetes, and T1D is not anyone’s fault. See #1.
4.
People with T1D can eat sugar (and anything that everyone else eats).
People with T1D can eat sugar; the only difference is that they need to give themselves insulin for the carbohydrates they eat. People with T1D sometimes NEED sugar to combat or treat low blood glucose levels.
“Can you eat that?” Yes, I can! We promote healthy choices, but we also want to normalize eating the occasional donut, cookie, or piece of cake. Sure, in Ellie’s case, she might eat a few almonds along with a glazed donut to have a bit of protein. But, at the same time, “donut” think she can’t have a sweet treat now and then.
5.
High and low blood sugars have a major impact on health and safety.
A person’s glucose level changes throughout the day based on food intake, activity, stress level, and many other factors. Blood sugar fluctuations have a big impact on a person’s body, emotions, and capacity.
To all the people with T1D (and those supporting them), we get it. We see you hustling, hurting, and helping in a 24/7 effort to be a substitute pancreas. We are you. Just keep going and don’t let diabetes (or the world) get you down. Throughout the insanity of the past few years, you have been a phenomenal person, parent, and pancreas. We salute you on National Diabetes Awareness Month and always!
