I remember my first introduction to Type I diabetes. When I was 7 yrs old, at one family gathering I was washing my hands at the sink and I happened to glance in the bathroom mirror and I caught my cousin, who was also my best friend, injecting herself with what seemed to be a shot. At the time, I was a little squeamish about needles and passed out on the spot. That was not the first time I was in awe of my cousin’s strength and ability to cope with her disease. Growing up in Cyndi’s presence was so inspiring. Like most type I diabetics, Cyndi constantly regulates her diet, checks her blood sugar, and administers insulin shots a couple of times a day. However, no one would even suspect she’s type 1 diabetic except for the fact that she carries an extra backpack with snacks and insulin pens. Even though she is fighting a constant battle, she is the most optimistic and hard-working person I know today and has such a bright future ahead of her.
However, these days, we are constantly being reminded by the media and health professionals, about the impending obesity and diabetes, colloquially known as “diabesity,” epidemic. However, this issue, that has been at the center of attention of many health and lifestyle articles, generally excludes Type I diabetes, leaving it in the rather hefty shadow of its counterparts. I’ve even noticed this trend on an academic level. At the beginning of the quarter, after perusing the course syllabus for a biology course I am taking, I was excited for a lecture module titled “Diabetes.” Finally, I’d get a chance to learn the science behind the chronic disease that demanded so much attention and energy from my cousin and best friend. Needless to say, I was extremely disappointed about how much time was afforded to type 2 diabetes and its interaction with the Kreb cycle and insulin-uptake and only a hasty, brief plug was given to Type I diabetes.
In my opinion, type I diabetes deserves just as much awareness as the other types of diabetes and I would like to be more active in Type I diabetes outreach. JDRF has been supporting individuals with type 1 diabetes and their families for the past 40 years creating a sense of unparalleled community and hope. In these past few days, I’ve spent countless hours reading people’s stories and blogs about diabetes and have become so inspired to work alongside others who are dedicated to finding a cure for type 1.