However, with this post I want to discuss type 1 diabetes misconceptions. I've touched on this topic in the past, but this issue has been coming up a lot more lately. I used to get defensive when people would make these types of comments, but then I realized its because they don't know any better.
There are many misconceptions about this disease, but I've put together the ones I feel strongly about. Here is my top 5 list of type 1 diabetes misconceptions:
- "But she's too skinny to have diabetes." Although diet and weight are factors for type 2 diabetes, it is not the cause of type 1 diabetes.
- "She can't eat that cupcake." As is should be for us all, moderation is key. Also, there are times when sugar levels can drop too low and sugar is needed to raise it.
- "She can't play sports because her sugar will drop." Exercise is important for everyone including those with diabetes. Precautionary measures like eating snacks and frequent bg checks can help avoid hypoglycemia.
- "She'll never be able to have children." Diabetic pregnancy require closer monitoring, but there is no reason, with excellent blood sugar control and diabetes management, that mother and baby will remain healthy throughout the pregnancy and birth.
- "Taking insulin will cure diabetes." Insulin is not a cure, it is their life support. Unfortunately there currently is no cure for diabetes.
It's funny what misconceptions are out there about diabetes. I write a lot about them at www.TheDiabeticJournal.org My son was also diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 17 months old. It has been an extreme challenge with a child that can't speak yet to tell you how he's feeling. This is a great blog that I will add to my site
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