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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.

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Recommended for you

8 Things I Wish People Knew About Type 1 Diabetes

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

1. It is not caused by sugar

2. There is no cure

3. The needles are not comfortable

4. I can eat anything

5. I can do anything

6. It's unpredictable

7. It's largely invisible

8. It makes me stronger

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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