When I was 5 years old, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Luckily, I had great parents that never let me feel sorry for myself so I never saw it as a negative, it was just part of my routine. My parents kept me educated on all the current treatments and my mom even got involved in the American Diabetes Association.
My point is that these experiences gave me endless information, and my personal experience has given me endless questions. So these are the basics you should know about Type 1 Diabetes.
1. There is a difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes comes from when someone eats too much and basically "overworks" their pancreas or it can also be genetic. As long as you catch it soon enough pills or a lifestyle change can cure it, more severe cases require insulin shots.
Type 1 Diabetes is said to be caused by genetics but there are other cases. My doctor said it was because of the treatment of steroids they gave me for the croup as a kid made my immune system, overwork and hinder the pancreas. There is no available cure at this point and require insulin shots or insulin pump for treatment.
2. Yes I can have sugar!
I'm not going to lie this is what I roll my eyes at...My insulin dosage depends on the amount of carbohydrates I eat, not sugar. When I eat foods with lots of carbohydrates it makes it harder to control my diabetes. And sugary foods tend to be high in carbohydrates which makes avoid those foods more, but technically I can eat whatever, whenever it's just not ideal.
3. Does it hurt?
Everyone asks me if it hurts but honestly I'm confused by the question. Just having diabetes doesn't hurt. Now when I am putting the tube in for my pump, giving a shot, or stick the lancet too far in my finger to take my blood sugar it stings, sometimes even aches, but nothing more. There are also negative effects of the blood sugar being below or above the ideal range like headaches or tingling.
4. What does the blood sugar do?
Blood sugar, in simple terms, is the amount of sugar that is in your blood. A "normal" person keeps a blood sugar number range of 80-120. And honestly lucky to stay under 250 most days.
You see, if the number is above your range you give insulin and if its below the range you eat food. Sounds simple, right? Well it should be, but see your pancreas does this perfectly for all you non-diabetics, but for us we have to be our own pancreas and sometimes I'm not very good at it...
5. No, I'm not high!
For all you who give me a weird glance when I openly tell my friends I'm high, I'm not actually high! When I am above that range in blood sugar we call it high. So just to clarify even with as goofy as I am all the time, I am not high!
