To the Type 1 Diabetics: we hear you

During this year’s mission trip, we had the honor of meeting some remarkable people, including five who really touched all the members of our team, and for different reasons. They all interstingly, had been affected by Type1 diabetes in some way.

As you recall, Type 1 diabetes is very unlike Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 used to be called “juvenile diabetes” because it tends to occur much earlier than Type 2, which happens later in life (usually). The term “juvenile” is no longer used because we now know that Type 1 diabetes can in fact happen at almost any age. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body turns on itself and destroys its own cells. In this case, it destroys cells that make insulin, so that people with Type 1 Diabetes have an ABSENCE of necessary insulin in the body, and they then have no other option but to TAKE insulin to replace it. Let me say it again: if you have Type 1 diabetes, insulin is the only medication treatment. So you can imagine, this is a whole different ballgame than Type 2 diabetes, where diet and exercise helps control the disease. That is not really the case with Type 1 diabetes. Taking medication in the proper way, eating the right foods and in the right amounts, and taking care of your body is how Type 1 diabetes is best managed.

We met two young men with this disease. Both were relatively newly diagnosed, only a few months for one and a few years for the other. They attend school, both looked healthy and were intelligent in their conversation and questions. They admitted it was sometimes difficult dealing with this disease, school, friends etc. Teenage years are the most difficult when you have Type 1 diabetes, in my opinion. All you adults out there who are complaining about checking blood sugars and eating the right way etc, stop and think about how much more difficult it would have been as a young person. These two young men ARE taking care of themselves, maybe not perfectly, but they are trying. And we applaud their efforts and maturity in trying to deal with something that has affected their lives so deeply.

We met the school counselor who was trying her best to not only look after the kids in her school who had Type 1 diabetes, but also to educate her fellow teachers about the disease, be a support to parents, and a counselor to the kids. She was essentially playing the role of nurse, parent, teacher and educator all at the same time while at school. We are inspired by her devotion and dedication to her students.

We met two mothers separately. One accompanied her son whom had Type 1 diabetes. She was there to learn as much as she could, so as to continue helping her son in his life. She was well read and open to more recommendations as to how to help support and guide her son. The second mother moved us to tears as she described the struggles they had with this disease, her son almost losing his life to it, and her hope and prayers that his despair would lift.

For all of you, and others in St.Vincent and the Grenadines dealing with Type 1 diabetes, we start a series these next several weeks devoted to talking about some of the special circumstances that come with Type 1 diabetes. Until next week, stay safe and healthy my Vincy family.

Anita Ramsetty, MD endodocs@endocrinehelp.com

Medical Director Endocrine Care Group

www.endocrinehelp.com

Tel: 843-798-4227