8 Things I Wish People Knew About Type 1 Diabetes
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

8 Things I Wish People Knew About Type 1 Diabetes

There are so many misconceptions, it's hard to keep track.

Megan Elizabeth Kaser
Apr 29, 2019
Villanova University
5315
8 Things I Wish People Knew About Type 1 Diabetes
@nickjonas

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 11 years old. In the 8 years that I have lived with this condition, I have heard many, many, many ignorant comments. Honestly, I can't put all the blame on individuals for being ignorant. According to the ADA, around 1.25 million Americans have Type 1. That's a large number of people dealing with a pretty much invisible illness, I didn't know anything about Type 1 Diabetes until I was diagnosed. Living with diabetes poses many unique challenges, I think that clearing up some common societal misconceptions can make that one less issue that Type Ones have to deal with.

1.  It is not caused by sugar 

I could have literally eaten all organic, paleo, gluten free, whatever and still gotten Type 1 Diabetes.

2. There is no cure 

If I could eat cinnamon, drink special drinks, are try a weird diet to not have Type 1 anymore, don't you think I would?

3. The needles are not comfortable

Every time someone sees me inject insulin somewhere, I'm met with "Doesn't that hurt?" Not to be rude, but stabbing a needle into my body doesn't feel GOOD. You get somewhat used to it but it doesn't feel good.

4. I can eat anything

I can eat anything as long as I correctly count the carbs and give the correct amount of insulin. Cookies? Yes. Cake? Yes. I may say no sometimes because no one should say yes to dessert all of the time.

5. I can do anything 

I played three varsity sports in high school and currently am in nursing school on the opposite coast of my own coast. Yes, it is a little more difficult and requires a lot of extra effort and planning, and yes there is a slight, increased risk but I can follow my dreams just like anyone else.

6. It's unpredictable

I can literally do the exact same thing two days in a row, and end up with extremely different blood sugars. Sometimes things affect my blood sugar that are out of my control: period, extreme weather, sickness, a change in sleep schedule, stress, etc.

7. It's largely invisible

Sure you may see me check my blood sugar and you may be able to see my pump site but what you don't see is the sleep I missed the night before because I was up treating a high/low, the constant worry of do I have enough supplies, what's my blood sugar when am I going to eat, you don't see the fatigue, the headaches, the physical and mental exhaustion, the nausea. You probably haven't seen me when I'm so low and confused that I'm not sure what is happening around me. The next time someone tells me that, "At least you have the pump which does it all for you," I'm going to send them this article.

8. It makes me stronger 

Despite all the things listed in the precious point, I am grateful for my diagnosis. It has brought me in contact with so many amazing, fellow Type 1 Warriors. It has given me perspective, and appreciation for the little length. It has made me stronger, resiliant, and determined. It has sent me on my path to become a nurse. It has helped shape me into who I am.

conditions
Report this Content
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
283097
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
84222
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
147446
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
50775
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

University of Oklahoma
985413
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
family and friends

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments