What Living with Type 1 Diabetes is Really Like | 9 Insights

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas. This means people with type 1 diabetes no longer produce their own insulin and require regular insulin injections to regulate their blood sugar levels. Many people have misconceptions about what living with type 1 diabetes looks like or assume it's the same as the more common type 1 diabetes type 2 diabetes. Here are 9 things those living with type 1 diabetes wish more people understood about their condition.

1. It's Not Caused By Diet or Lifestyle

Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes is generally linked to being overweight and inactive. However, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle choices. The body's own immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas, stopping natural insulin production. No amount of healthy eating or exercise can reverse or prevent this autoimmune attack from occurring.

2. It's Not Just a Childhood Disease

Many associate type 1 diabetes diagnosis with childhood. While a lot of diagnoses do occur at a young age, type 1 diabetes can develop at any age. Adults can suddenly find themselves diagnosed with type 1 diabetes too. At present, about 1.6 million Americans have type 1 diabetes, including around 187,000 children. No matter what age diagnosis occurs, it means a lifetime of insulin therapy and careful blood sugar management.

3. Careful Management is Necessary

There is no "day off" from type 1 diabetes. It requires rigorous monitoring of blood sugar levels, counting carbohydrates, calculating insulin dosages, and balancing insulin, activity levels and food intake. People with type 1 diabetes don't produce any natural insulin, so they must get their insulin through injections or an insulin pump. Skipping insulin to "give the pancreas a break" like some recommend would be life threatening. This demanding self care is necessary around the clock to stay alive and prevent dangerous blood sugar highs or lows.

Life with Type 1 Diabetes

4. It Can Cause Other Health Issues

Consistently high blood sugar levels associated with unmanaged type 1 diabetes causes nerve damage and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, eye problems and foot problems. However, when properly managed, people with type 1 diabetes can live otherwise healthy lives without developing these additional health complications.

5. Blood Sugar Levels Impact Moods and Concentration

When blood sugar levels drop too low (hypoglycemia) or rise too high (hyperglycemia), it directly impacts mood, cognitive function, and concentration levels. Lows and highs can both blunt focus and memory in the short term and make those with type 1 diabetes feel suddenly tired, irritable, anxious or confused. Getting back into normal blood sugar range resolves these issues.

6. No Two Days are the Same

Managing Type 1 diabetes effectively means continual balancing insulin doses with current blood sugar levels, carbohydrate intake, and activity levels. All of these factors can change drastically day to day and impact insulin needs. What is the appropriate insulin dose one day may be too little or too much the next, contributing to frustrating spikes and drops in blood sugar. While routines help establish a baseline, flexibility is also required in true day-to-day management.

Supporting Those With Type 1 Diabetes

7. Don't Question Their Dietary Choices

People with type 1 diabetes don't always have perfect "diabetic diets." Following strict meal plans isn't always realistic or feasible when managing other life responsibilities. Making the best choices possible in the moment is what's achievable for most. So don't judge or question if a snack or meal seems too high in carbs or not perfectly balanced. Just bolusing for some straight sugar is sometimes necessary.

8. Emotional Support is Helpful

Having type 1 diabetes can feel isolating and scary, especially right after diagnosis. Provide empathy when frustrated or burnt out loved ones need to talk through the demands of self-care. Emotional support goes a long way when dealing with the round-the-clock challenges of living with this incurable, relentless disease. A little grace and words of encouragement make each day more manageable.

9. Just Be Willing to Listen and Learn

One of the most helpful things friends and family can do is listen to what life is like for those living with type 1 diabetes day in and out. It also helps tremendously when loved ones learn about the condition, ask questions, and understand the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes. Being patient and open to continued learning about T1D provides valued support on difficult days.

Type 1 diabetes is complicated, demanding, and relentless for those living with it each day. Keeping these insights from those actually managing T1D in mind breeds deeper compassion and understanding. Providing knowledgeable support, grace on tough days, and a listening ear goes a long way for those learning to thrive with this incurable autoimmune disease. Though misunderstood by many, a little more awareness and empathy surrounding the real-life challenges of type 1 diabetes spreads hope in the T1D community.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.