Very few people understand what Type 1 diabetes is or what it means for those who have it, and of course, why would they? Most people know a little bit about Type 2 diabetes from the media, but confusing the two types is the cause of many frustrating comments from well-meaning yet misinformed people. Type 2 diabetes is a life-style condition, while type 1 is autoimmune.
Type 1 is typically thought of as the one that you get when you're a child, yet I (along with many others) got it as a healthy 28 year old. Many of you who know me may be unaware that this is a part of my life now.
For those of you who are curious, here is some information about Type 1 diabetes. I like this summary below of Type 1 diabetes from JDRF. http://jdrf.org/about/fact-sheets/type-1-diabetes-facts/
About T1D
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and—at present—nothing you can do to get rid of it.Whom T1D Affects
Type 1 diabetes strikes both children and adults at any age. It comes on suddenly, causes dependence on injected or pumped insulin for life, and carries the constant threat of devastating complications.
How T1D Is Managed
Living with T1D is a constant challenge. People with the disease must carefully balance insulin doses (either by injections multiple times a day or continuous infusion through a pump) with eating and other activities throughout the day and night. They must also measure their blood-glucose level by pricking their fingers for blood six or more times a day. Despite this constant attention, people with T1D still run the risk of dangerous high or low blood-glucose levels, both of which can be life threatening. People with T1D overcome these challenges on a daily basis.
Insulin Is Not a Cure
While insulin injections or infusion allow a person with T1D to stay alive, they do not cure the disease, nor do they necessarily prevent the possibility of the disease’s serious effects, which may include: kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, heart attack, stroke, and pregnancy complications.
