Educating Others

This is generally known as juvenile, early onset, or insulin-dependent diabetes. It usually develops in children or young adults.

Type 1 diabetes usually develops fairly quickly, over days or weeks, as the pancreas stops making insulin. It is treated with insulin either by injections or via an insulin pump. Good control is crucial with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Why does the pancreas stop working?

In most cases, type 1 diabetes is considered to be an 'autoimmune' disease. The immune system makes antibodies to attack bacteria, viruses, and other germs. If you have type 1 diabetes you make antibodies that attach to the beta cells in the pancreas. These are thought to destroy the cells that make insulin.

Educating others.

There is a lot of ignorance and inconsiderate behaviour surrounding diabetes. I have type 1 as does my youngest son Eddie and hopefully I will be able to enlighten you and comment on the myths concerning type 1 diabetes.

Annoying comments that we constantly get are: 1. Does it hurt?

Poking ourselves with needles can sometimes hurt and we never get used to it.

2. You can’t eat that - you are diabetic.

Actually I can eat whatever I like as long as I adjust the insulin.

3. Don’t you think you should eat something?

I know if I want something or not, like you, thanks for your concern though.

4. Did you get diabetes from eating too many cakes or fizzy drinks?

No we didn’t, it is not the cause of type 1 diabetes. We did nothing to cause it!

5. You are so slim, how can you have diabetes?

Obesity can trigger type 2 - type 1 is not the same.

6 .Will it go away, will you grow out of it?

No, we have it 24/7, for life.

7. Are you doing something wrong, why do you have high or low sugar levels, Many different factors cause sugar levels to get out of control. It is a constant juggling act, it doesn’t mean I’ve done something wrong.

8. Can you get rid of your diabetes if you exercise and eat correctly?

Type 1 diabetes is not caused by poor diet and being overweight - this is associated with type 2 diabetes. You have better control with a balanced diet and regular exercise but it won’t go away.

9. Are you sure you can do sports.

I can play all sports, I can do anything you can - stop worrying.

To conclude, our diabetes wasn’t caused by us eating the wrong foods, we can eat sugar, we can play sports, we can have a normal life as long as we keep our blood sugars constant and administer our insulin.