Clearing Up Some Common T1D Misconceptions at the Start of National Diabetes Awareness Month
In honor of the start of National Diabetes Month, I think it's time to talk misconceptions! Which do you want to address in your community, or what are the ones you run into the most often? Here are some of the most common I could think of...
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT TYPE 1 DIABETES:
- Insulin is a cure for type 1 diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes is something you can grow out of
- Type 1 diabetes is caused by poor dietary habits like eating too much sugar
- Sweeteners (artificial sugars) are good for people with type 1 diabetes
- People with type 1 diabetes can't eat sugar
- Type 1 diabetes is strictly hereditary
- Type 1 diabetes can be cured with exercise and proper diet
- People with type 1 diabetes must live a sedentary lifestyle/can't be too active
I imagine some of these misconceptions may have gotten your blood boiling in the past. I know I've been stressed out about them before, but people can surprise you...
For example, I was at my eye doctor last week and asked what things I can do to help prevent eye disease as a type 1 diabetic towards the end of the appointment, waiting for my dilated eyes to take their course. Of course, there was not much I could do pertaining specifically to the eyes, but like every other doctor I've ever seen, he said that good blood sugar management should prevent most health problems associated with the disease. (Of course, he also recommended getting/maintaining my annual eye appointments to ensure they're in good health!)
He was being very kind, recommending books, podcasts, and recipes for me to try, going above and beyond the expectations of an eye doctor. Then, he recommended a book about curing diabetes with exercise and diet. My eyes widened a bit, and my breath sharpened. Then, before I could say anything, he said something like, "of course this doesn't apply to you, because there is no cure, but exercise and diet do help with blood sugar management and that's why I'm recommending this book because the concepts could apply in your own life."
I was extremely relieved, and humbled by the interaction. He did have an awareness and realization. Perhaps he knew someone with the condition, or perhaps it was simply because of his medical background that he had this understanding. I have no idea about the thoroughness of studies of an optometrist in their undergrad.
When is a time you ran into a similar situation and someone either surprised you like this or let you down? Did you make them aware of the reality of a person managing type 1 diabetes?
There have been many times in my life I've run into the opposite of this situation I described above, but I want to start November on a positive note with you all! How do you spread awareness when you run into a lack of it in your own life, or what are some misconceptions you'd like to clear up?
Share your story in the comments, and enjoy the first of November.
Thanks for your continued support of this campaign - please keep sharing!
Julia
P.S. If you have the time, check out "The Stupid Things People Say About Diabetes and How to Deal with It" by Beyond Type 1: https://beyondtype1.org/the-stupid-things-people-say-about-diabetes-and-how-to-deal-with-it/.