So many people do not know much or anything about Type 1 diabetes. Im so thankful for our family an friends who have shown support by wearing blue. Its not just a color or a shirt.. Its spreading awareness and also makes my kids feel good to know the people are wearing blue in support on THEM!
Last friday I posted this on facebook:
Hey guys its Friday.. im thankful Craig isnt shy about his Diabetes. He will educate people about it and isnt afraid to. his baseball coach told me he overheard a kid say ”what, are you a drug dealer and thats your pager?”
And Craig said, ”no, this keeps me alive!!” (about his pump) he has spoken at several assemblies to advocate for this disease. He proudly wore his Jdrf walk shirt today...will you wear blue in support of Diabetes awareness today??
He has had a lot of "comments" . one kid asked about his medical ID because he wears it every day. He said "it says I have type 1 diabetes" and the girl said "oh so its like Im so cool I have diabetes?" and he said "no, its like if I pass out or have a seizure, the ambulance will know that I have diabetes so I dont die"..she said, "oh...." I kind of expect it because kids dont know about it.. they have no idea what Type 1 is or how serious it is. Im just glad he isnt shy about telling them how it is:)
Ive had some terrible things said to and about me concerning diabetes and the fact that 2 of my kids have it...
That its because I ate too much sugar pregnant, or that we feed out children unhealthy food. neither are true.. They are healthy active kids! It was really hard at first to hear comments like these.. and Ive learned that people just dont know.. a lot of times when you educate them, they learn the truth.. and sometimes they continue to believe false facts about the disease. I am happy to answer questions, before you say anything rude, maybe you should learn the facts!
Here are some myths and facts about Type 1:
(http://jdrf.org/life-with-t1d/type-1-diabetes-information/myths-and-facts/)
myth: Taking insulin cures diabetes.
fact: Taking insulin keeps people with T1D alive, but does not cure the disease. While progress toward finding a cure has been substantial, there is still no cure for diabetes.
myth: Diabetes is caused by obesity, or eating too much sugar.
fact: While obesity has been identified as one of the “triggers” for type 2 diabetes, it has no relation to the cause of type 1 diabetes. Scientists do not yet know exactly what causes T1D, but they believe that both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Eating too much sugar is not a factor.
myth: With strict adherence to a specific diet and exercise plan, and multiple insulin injections each day based on careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, a person with T1D can easily gain tight control over his or her blood sugar levels. fact: While the above strategy is the most effective way to achieve and maintain tight control of blood sugar levels, optimal blood sugar control can be very difficult for some patients. Many factors, including stress, hormone changes, periods of growth, and illness can easily cause blood sugars to swing out of control. Teenagers, in particular, may be susceptible to this problem, as their bodies go through many changes during adolescence. Also, some people with type 1 find that even though they strive for tight control and follow their meal plan and insulin schedule, they still experience rapid fluctuations in their blood glucose. Those fluctuations do not mean the person with diabetes has done anything wrong.
myth: People with diabetes should never eat sweets. fact: Limiting sweets will help people with T1D keep their blood sugar under control, but, with advice from their doctor or nutritionist, sweets can fit into their meal plan, just as they would for people without diabetes. And there are times when sweets are a must: If the blood sugar level drops too low, sweets (or juice, or soda) can be the surest to raise it, and prevent the onset of hypoglycemia.
myth: People with diabetes can’t participate in athletics. fact: Physical exercise is important for everyone’s health, and is especially important for people with diabetes. Regular exercise helps lower blood sugar levels and keep them in the target range. There are countless examples of athletes who have had great success, from Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Gary Hall to ice hockey great Bobby Clarke.
myth: Only kids get type 1 diabetes. fact: Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as “juvenile” or “juvenile onset” diabetes, is often first diagnosed in children, teenagers, or young adults. However, people may develop T1D at any age.
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