Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease where the beta cells in the pancreas no longer function and, as a result, insulin is no longer produced. This disease continues to effect many all over the world, and the amount of individuals taking on this disease has steadily increased. There are many misconceptions that are made between the two types of diabetes, and in some cases there is a third type known as gestational diabetes. The more focused types are Type 1 and Type 2, which are different in many ways. Having been diagnosed in March of 2005, I have had Type 1 diabetes for 12 years, now. There are always challenges, but there are things that I have learned while tackling this disease.
Ignore the comments from people who think that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the same thing.
Many hear the word “diabetes” and the mental image of someone eating terribly and being excessively overweight comes to mind. However, Type 1 diabetics can get easily offended by this stereotype. We did not choose this disease, and it certainly did not attack our bodies from bad eating habits.
It may be an "invisible" disease, but in reality it can be a silent killer.
Type 1 diabetes is not shown on the outside of somebody. There are no physical characteristics that can distinguish that person from another without the disease. In the end though, no matter how tough it may be to test blood sugars and give shots each and every day, it has to be done. If not managed the proper way, it can result in awful conditions, and even possibly an earlier death (only telling the truth).
The countless needles that you take each day gives you a super strength.
No lie, after getting needles almost three times a day pain is no longer existent in your life. Or your pain tolerance is at an all-time high -- either one works. It becomes part of your life, and to think of life without that routine, it almost seems impossible to imagine.
You are given the ability to have more sympathy.
Going through what I go through, has taught me to open my eyes to everyone else’s health. By saying this, I mean that if someone else has a disease or apparent illness, I don’t judge so quickly. If anyone were to walk a mile in my shoes I know for a fact that there would no longer be any criticism or judgment. Many that don’t face the challenge everyday of wondering if their health will make them feel great or not so great, are not able to sympathize with others well. It takes a strong person to tolerate such a time-consuming disease.
Your health is so important.
The statement above is so simple, yet so powerful. Many take their health for granted and with Type 1 diabetes it did take me years to get over the fact that I am living the rest of my life with this disease. There is no way around it, only ways to make it easier on myself. There are moments where I seem to take the harder route, but in the end I learn. I am able to fall back on my statement from before that health is so essential. If you do not have good health, you won't be living your life to its fullest, and your happiness will not be there.
