For those who have type 1 diabetes, we are often stereotyped as people who cannot eat sugar at all, even though we often depend on it. As a result, there are so many things that we get from people who often confuse type 1 diabetes with type 2. Mistaking either type is a big deal and that's why there are things type 1 diabetics are familiar with as part of their daily routines. These include:
1. The three Cs: constantly carrying carbs.
As said above, type 1s need sugary foods whenever their blood sugar levels are low. This can happen at home, or out in public. If out in public, one must remember to pack carbohydrates to have in case his/her blood sugar suddenly drops. It's more than just a necessity, it's a potential life saver. I mean, who else can say that they need to have a package of M&Ms because it is "good for me?"
2. I have to take needles several times every day.
That pretty much says it all. Most people would be scared at the idea of having to take needles multiple times every single day, but for we type 1 diabetics, it's human nature. It is also a matter of life and death if you do not take shots from needles every time you eat. How else would we be able to take our blood sugar or inject insulin at every meal (unless you wear a pump)? The mantra might as well be, "No needles, no food."
3. I get high.
No, not that "high," as a non-diabetic might think, but rather in terms of blood sugar. Going to the bathroom. Constant drinking. Headaches. Blurry vision. Temper Tantrums. Other people might find it weird, but to we type 1 diabetics, it's a part of our daily lives. It is probably one of the only examples of something taking "I am feeling high" in the wrong context.
4. Diabetes is one hell of a roller coaster.
We don't mean it literally -- oh wait, we do. This is an analogy that pretty much sums up the experience of having type 1 diabetes. Our blood sugars rise and fall just like you would expect a wooden or steel roller coaster at Six Flags to. And trust me, diabetes is one ride you DO want to get off of, between all the episodes we have with our sugar, and controlling our insulin use, and making sure we have counted the carbs right.
5. The math.
Many people think that the math we learn in school is useless in our everyday lives, but not to we type 1 diabetics. Between counting carbs, deciding how much units of insulin to give, how many units to add and take off, and determining blood sugar range, we might as well add mathematician to our resumes. This is why we are so ahead of others in math -- we have no choice but to use it every day because our lives depend on it.
6. Yes, we can eat sugar.
This is what we get A LOT. We are, in fact, the opposite of THAT diabetes. As mentioned several times in this article, we need sugary snacks when our blood sugars are dangerously low. Anything from cookies to juice to candy to chocolate are perfect examples. In fact, not having sugar when feeling low can be deadly. Diabetics truly are the only people who can say that "that Hershey's bar saved my life," or "that Oreo saved my life."
