Small Misconceptions with Big Implications.
Let’s be honest: Type 1 diabetes is a serious and complex disease. It affects millions of people around the world.
In France, the national health insurance system identifies 4.2 million people living with diabetes. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10% of all diabetes cases, or approximately 420,000 people in France. It often affects children but can also develop in adulthood.
It is also an invisible disease; only monitoring devices and our insulin pumps reveal it. Despite this, there are still many stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding this disease. In this article, we’ll demystify type 1 diabetes in simple terms and offer some insights to help you better understand this condition.
In a nutshell, what is type 1 diabetes?
If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you want to better understand what you or one of your
loved ones is going through. Here are some explanations: Type 1 diabetes, or T1D, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas
—the cells that produce insulin.
Insulin is a vital hormone that allows glucose—the sugar in our blood—to be used as a source of energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, which poisons our bodies and leads to complications. When our son was diagnosed with diabetes—he was 10 years old at the time—the pediatrician described insulin as a car that transports blood sugar to the organs, muscles, and brain. I’m sharing this image with you—it speaks for itself, doesn’t it? I’ve used it many times to explain the role of insulin to children in simple terms.
Common misconception: Type 1 diabetes is caused by a poor diet.
Important Answer: Help! No, type 1 diabetes is not caused by a poor diet or a lack of exercise. This misconception stems from confusion with type 2 diabetes, and it’s very difficult to live with. Combating this misconception is important, and that starts with knowledge. Type 1 diabetes is primarily caused by genetic and environmental factors. “Genetic” does not mean it is hereditary, but rather that our genetics have caused our antibodies to attack our beta cells in the pancreas. We have no way to prevent this from happening. People with type 1 diabetes cannot prevent the disease through lifestyle changes. We are neither responsible nor at fault. This is the nature of an autoimmune disease.
Common misconception: Type 1 diabetes can be cured.
Important answer: To date, there is no cure for type 1 diabetes. Current treatments are designed to help people live with type 1 diabetes. This involves controlling blood sugar levels and injecting insulin to replace the function of the defective pancreas. And it’s a lot of work! The human body is such a precise machine that replacing it is inevitably complex. The goal is to prevent long-term complications and to help people feel well by maintaining blood sugar balance. However, research continues in the hope of finding a definitive cure for this chronic disease. French researchers, in particular, are making significant progress. Artificial pancreases, closed-loop systems, islet transplants, and medical technologies and advances are all closely linked. Our son is now 18 years old, and he is convinced that he will one day live a life free of diabetes because he is optimistic and has confidence in the future!
Common misconception: People with type 1 diabetes cannot lead a normal life.
Important answer: With proper management, people with type 1 diabetes can lead active and fulfilling lives. I would even go so far as to say that nothing is impossible. Some professions are still off-limits, but doors are gradually opening. Thanks to technological advances such as insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors, it is now easier to control blood sugar levels, anticipate, and prevent complications. However, this requires a commitment to self-management and ongoing education about the disease.
In conclusion, type 1 diabetes is a serious medical condition that requires a thorough understanding and adequate support. By debunking the myths surrounding this disease, we can help raise awareness and support people living with type 1 diabetes, and promote a better quality of life for everyone.
The list of prejudices and misconceptions is still very long. Sharing information about diabetes is important for dispelling these misconceptions. It’s up to all of us to take action in this regard.
