Myths & Facts about T1D

In this post, I shared a few common myths about type 1 diabetes. Let’s demystify them.

(Myth)Type 1 Diabetes is caused because of being Overweight

This is a very very big myth. As you know being overweight has nothing to do with type 1 diabetes. Somehow it is related to type 2 but not type 1. Let me share an example.When I was diagnosed , my weight was about 47 kgs which is very very less .It should be around 60 then as per BMI.

(Myth)With type 1 diabetes , we can’t have sweets, chocolates etc.,

This is another myth which most people believe. When someone got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, the first thing they hear from most of the people is to not have any eatables which are very sweet. There is no point in saying this. We can eat anything as we want . But one condition, we need to inject the right amount of insulin dose which balances the carbohydrates of the sweet things which we are going to eat. That’s it and it’s an ART.😊

(Myth)Type 1 diabetics can’t undergo sports training or physical fitness training.

When it comes to physical fitness, there is no limit at all. Infact it strengthens the body and keeps us to lead a very healthy life. But with type 1 diabetes, we just need to watch out our levels frequently , because any physical activity leads to a decrease in blood glucose levels commonly sometimes increase as well. So having an eye on glucose levels, we can go for anything. There are many athletes with type 1 diabetes . Some examples are Wasim Akram(cricketer), Nacho Fernandez(footballer) etc.,

(Myth)Type 1 is a bad kind of diabetes

There is no such good or bad kind of diabetes. Each type is different and has to be treated accordingly.

(Myth)Is type 1 contagious?

No..Any kind of diabetes is not contagious and it is just a lack of hormone(Insulin).

(Myth)You were looking good last week ? What happened to you now ?Didn’t you figure it out?

A common question which is being asked by many people. When it comes to type 1 diabetes, it is a 24/7 job. And we have to live with it . It could be easy managing it last week.. but now could be a little harder now because of various factors influencing the blood glucose levels.

Ex: Food, stress, hormone levels, periods of growth, illness etc.,

(Myth)Your glucose levels are fine right , now? Why don’t you stop injecting insulin from now on?

It is fine because of injecting insulin only. We lack that in our body and our body is unable to produce it once it lacks. So , we have to keep injecting till the last breathe. It is as important as oxygen .

(Myth) Type 1 diabetes affects only children

Type 1 diabetes can occur to anybody at any age. But most of the cases right now are with Children and young adults. But it can be triggered in anyone and it is not their fault at all.

So even with type 1 diabetes, people can lead a very good life infact a better healthy life . There are no restrictions at all as long as keeping the levels steadily under control. It is just an additional responsibility which is added in the life.