An explanation because my son does not have Type 2.

1. There are two kinds of diabetes and they are not equal. Type 1, also known as juvenile-onset diabetes, is far less common — 5 to 10% of all diabetics. It occurs when the body’s immune system has destroyed the cells in the pancreas that release insulin, without which the body cannot absorb glucose, which is needed to produce energy. Type 2 diabetes is the more common form (90-95% of diabetics). It occurs when the body is insulin resistant, so it can’t use insulin the right way.

2. Type 1 diabetes is not preventable. My child’s diabetes was not caused by a poor diet or obesity, something that can contribute to type 2 diabetes. Nothing in my child’s diet or lifestyle contributed to him getting type 1.

3. There is no cure or possibility of remission with type 1 diabetes. It will not go away if he just eats right or loses weight. He needs insulin to live. His body won’t make it. End of story.

4. My child’s life depends on accurate, regular monitoring of his glucose levels and accurate administration of insulin. Dr. Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin, is my hero. Before his discovery, children with diabetes tended to live about a year after diagnosis. My child was diagnosed over 3 years ago. Do the math. Insulin saves my child’s life every single day.

5. Yes, it’s manageable. But type 1 diabetes requires more time, effort, and energy that we ever dreamed it would. It is a job that is 24/7 and taking vacation time can be deadly. We monitor our son’s glucose levels day and night, weekdays and weekends, at home and out of town. Type 1 diabetes is an unwelcome, but now familiar, member of our family.

6. My child lives a normal life. He runs and plays football and has hobbies like skateboarding and wrestles with his brother. But, his “normal” involves regularly checking his blood glucose to make sure it is at a healthy level. And I am the ever-vigilant one making sure he is checking and that he is okay. Call me a crazy parent if you want.

7. My child will not outgrow “juvenile” or Type 1 diabetes. It is not called “juvenile” because it only lasts through childhood, but because that is when it is often diagnosed. My son’s insulin cells are gone. He will not ever outgrow this. My child will live with type 1 diabetes for the rest of his life. His Pancreas does not function. 

8. Children, especially teens, with type 1 diabetes need support and understanding so they will be comfortable taking responsibility for their own wellness. Adolescence especially is a time when no one wants to seem “different” from their peers, but avoiding responsible care in the name of fitting in can be deadly.

9. More awareness will lead to better understanding and better research and treatment. Research has led to the development of the insulin pump, which makes diabetes even more manageable. Research could, someday, lead to a cure. There is no cure for type 1 diabetes — yet. I pray every day that a cure will be found in my child’s lifetime.