Ah…myths of the type 1 diabetes. Something we diabetics deal with on occasion when well-doers try to scold us whenever they see us with a grain of sugar in our little diabetic hands.
“Are you supposed to be eating that?” – Said with a “you’re going to die” type of look.
Today I would like to bust some Type 1 Diabetic myths in the face. Emily style.
Myth #1: Can’t eat sugar.
Fact: We can eat anything non-diabetic (normals) can. Granted it wouldn’t be wise to eat 10 candy-bars in one sitting, but then again normals shouldn’t do that either. The beauty of an insulin pump is that I can eat what I want when I want and give myself insulin to counteract it. It’s not a matter of “can I eat that?” but “Is it worth it?” Certain foods affect a diabetics blood sugar differently, and those certain foods vary on the person. I know there are foods that will raise me higher than other foods, and I need to decide if I want to use up more insulin to handle it or make a different choice.
Myth #2: Obesity and/or too much sugar cause type 1 diabetes
Fact: This has nothing to do with type 1 diabetes, but can be a trigger for type 2. This doesn’t always trigger type 2, family history plays a big role. If type 2 runs in your family, you should pay attention, talk to your doctor, and take steps to help prevent getting the disease later in life. Watch yourselves. As for type 1, well, who knows if you will get it. It’s like a tiny evil leprechaun that will break into your home in the middle of the night and stab your pancreas until it dies.
Myth #3: Insulin is the cure.
Fact: Insulin lets me live another day so I can kick around and do weird things, but it is not a cure. There is no cure. Yet. Please feel free to go to your local Walgreen’s this month and donate to JDRF so they can continue research to find a cure. 🙂
Myth #4: Only kids get Type 1
Fact: While usually the pancreas destruction happens as a young cone, it can actually happen at any age….but usually as a child or young adult. You think because you’re an adult you can ward off the evil pancreas killing leprechaun? You’re wrong. You must be vigilant always. (I hope no one reading this really believes there is an evil pancreas murdering leprechaun. If you do, I suggest you seek a mental health professional. ASAP.)
Peace out, my peeps. I do believe I am done writing for the evening. If there is a suspected myth you would like me to bust in the face, please let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
darnyoupancreas 