Tammy Galligher is an Expert on living with diabetes long-term. To check out Tammy’s full bio, click here.
When I was a child and someone found out that I had diabetes, they assumed that I had Type 1. Now that I am an adult, people automatically assume I am part of the Type 2 crowd. Do they forget that children with Type 1 grow up to be adults with Type 1 diabetes?
The public, as a whole, generally do not understand the difference between the two diseases, which share a common name, but are actually very different. I realize that unless someone has a person in their life with Type 1 diabetes, it is likely they will not know much about the disease. Due to its prevalence, Type 2 diabetes usually becomes the “default diabetes,” prevailing in the media and in education and being simply referred to as “diabetes.”
However, there are millions of us in the U.S. living with Type 1 diabetes. Estimates put that figure at between 3 and 4 million out of the approximately 27 million diabetics in the country. So when I have been incorrectly diagnosed, I have typically smiled and said something along the lines of “yes it’s rough, I know” and then go about my business.
This happened to me yet again the other day and, in my frustration, I thought to myself that I wish they would change the name of one of the diseases to make the distinction clearer. However, I recently decided to turn these awkward assumptions into opportunities.
I have made a commitment to myself to use these opportunities to tell others about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2, which require separate research and funding in a search for a cure. Instead of just smiling and going on about my business I am going to stop and tell them that Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are different and I won’t stop there. I am going to tell them what the differences are and what the similarities are.
As most of us living with the disease know, research has figured out that Type 1 is actually caused because the immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that create insulin, leaving people with disease unable to produce the hormone. Without it, people with the disease must give themselves insulin injections on a regular basis in order to prevent blood sugar levels from running rampant. Eating too much sugar or being overweight, as any diabetic can tell you, does not cause Type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is caused when the patient’s body becomes insulin resistant. That means that people with Type 2 produce insulin but do not use it efficiently. Many are able to improve their condition by exercising or making lifestyle and diet modifications. However, some people need to take medication or even insulin to prevent their blood sugar from running wild.
The exact cause of Type 1 and Type 2 are not known. Many studies have linked obesity with Type 2, although there have been an increasing number of thin people developing the disease. With both forms of the disease both genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role.
If each of us who knows the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 can reach just one or two people every time we are faced with one of these situations, imagine how many others would know the difference. So many people still think that any form of diabetes can be controlled by exercise or the food we eat. If these people were educated, by us, with the facts, we could change their perspective and help raise awareness for both forms of the disease.
On a recent Sunday I participated in my first JDRF Walk To Cure Diabetes. There were roughly 350 participants and there were multiple teams of friends and family who had joined together to raise money for a cure. Here in my little state of West Virginia we raised $80,000, which is wonderful. But when I walked away I thought it is my responsibility to tell others about my disease. Imagine if those 350 participants told others the facts. The walk to a cure could turn into the 50 yard dash for a cure with a finish line within reach.
(Each of the Expert columns are based on the experiences and knowledge of the individual columnists. The columns are meant to provide you with helpful information, but are not meant to be considered direct advice. Before making any decisions that could affect your health, make sure to contact a physician or the appropriate medical professional.)
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Great article Tammy. I have heard this complaint before and even complained about it myself. Seems like there could be a better name for it – one web site I came across asked readers to submit alternate names for the disease, of course I don’t like the word disease either but it is what it is. I have been guilty of using the word “kids” when refering to our Type 1 group and try really hard not to. I (as a mom of a Type 1) have spent my share of time explaining Type 1 – people say things like – maybe he will grow out of it, or maybe if he exercised more he wouldn’t have to take shots, or his diabetes must be really bad if he has to have shots, etc… My little guy saw a book at the store that said Cure Diabetes in 30 Days, and came running with it so exited – broke my heart trying to explain that the “other” Diabetes can improve with exercise and diet but his will not – that is until we get our cure we are praying for. Thank you for the article.
oops – I meant excited
Thank you for this column!
We have similar experiences. I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as an adult, and I often greeted with the same mispreceptions about it.
I too am walking in the JDRF’ Walk to Cure Diabetes. I took it as an opportunity to “clear the air” about my Type by outlining the cause and treatments in an email I sent asking for pledges to friends, family and co-workers. Every little bit counts, I guess.