Being 5’7” tall, having long legs, blue eyes, an impulsive temperament, one arm significantly longer than the other, curly hair, or living with type 1 diabetes are all physical characteristics one is born with. And yes, it’s essential to distinguish between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic disease linked to an immune system alteration and a genetic predisposition, partly hereditary and influenced by environmental factors, with which one is born. In contrast, type 2 diabetes is a metabolic condition that usually develops later in life, typically after age 30 or 40, with risk factors like a diet high in sugar and fat, being overweight, a family history of diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Type 1 diabetes, therefore, shouldn’t be associated with the common stereotype that sees diabetes as merely an “inability to eat sweets.” In Germany, for example, type 1 diabetes is still referred to as “the sugar disease,” which is misleading. It’s true that type 1 diabetes results from the inability of pancreatic cells to produce insulin, but no, it does not depend on excessive consumption of sugary foods or drinks. In fact, in many cases, a person with diabetes might experience drops in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) where it’s essential to consume simple sugars first, followed by complex sugars, to restore balance.
Also known as “juvenile diabetes” because it often appears during childhood or adolescence, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes, however, can be prevented through a healthy diet and regular physical activity, factors often missing in individuals affected by this insulin-resistant condition. Another key difference between the two types of diabetes is that in type 1, the pancreas completely stops producing insulin, requiring daily doses of artificial insulin, while in type 2, although insulin production is insufficient, a small amount is still produced, requiring fewer administrations.
Despite these two forms of diabetes being very different in terms of onset, treatment, and impact on daily life, they still have some things in common: hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. Hyperglycemia is when fasting blood glucose levels exceed 100 mg/dl, while hypoglycemia occurs when glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dl. Both are delicate but manageable situations. But what happens if diabetes is not treated properly?
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to acute or chronic complications. Acute complications are more common in type 1 diabetes and are related to the almost total absence of insulin. In these cases, a person can fall into a ketoacidosis coma, a condition caused by the buildup of metabolic byproducts, ketones, which leads to loss of consciousness, dehydration, and severe blood imbalances. I remember being hospitalized after an episode of dehydration, which is why I always carry my 2-liter water bottle with me.
In type 2 diabetes, acute complications are rare, while chronic complications affecting various organs and tissues, such as the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and peripheral nerves, are more common.
But what is daily life like for a person with diabetes? What do they have to do to keep track of their condition? Certainly, insulin injections several times a day; fortunately, the health system covers our monthly supplies, so we don’t have to pay out of pocket for our lifesaving treatment. It’s also important to exercise, check blood glucose levels regularly, and yes, eat sweets occasionally (yes, even ice cream!). Diabetes is no joke, but thanks to increasing awareness, advances in research, and new management technologies, life for a person with diabetes is becoming more accessible and increasingly similar to that of anyone else. Diabetes is a condition that requires commitment but also allows one to grow and gain greater awareness.
Today, on World Diabetes Day, let’s raise awareness about this issue and, why not, enjoy some ice cream to break down stereotypes!