Type 1 Diabetes Misconceptions....

When you have type 1 diabetes you're pancreas does not produce enough or any insulin that lowers blood sugar and in many cases, glucagon, which raises blood sugar when it's low. Ultimately, a t1's body doesn't regulate glucose. So, I think there is a huge misconception that if you are diabetic that you can NEVER eat sugar... not true.... Anything in moderation... and as long as I test Lu's blood sugar and adjust her insulin dose to cover the extra sugar, there are no spikes. Also, believe it or not... there have been times sugar has SAVED HER LIFE!! 

Another misconception is that type 1 and type 2 diabetes are the same.  Type 2 can be linked to obesity, but that is not always the case.....in some cases it's in our genes.... and type 1 has no known cause.  Also, another fallacy is that diabetes is cured by insulin.  Insulin injections help keep diabetics alive, but is NOT a cure.  

Finally, many people think that diabetics cannot participate in athletics.  Not true... exercise is good for everyone.  Exercise does affect glucose levels, but as long as they are checked and precautions are taken, exercise can be very beneficial to diabetics by helping keep bg's within range.