I just celebrated my eighth “diaversary,” otherwise known as the anniversary of my type 1 diabetes diagnosis. On Apr. 6, my family and a good friend laid out donuts, candies, coffee and flowers to celebrate my journey. In 2021, 11.6% of the American population had diabetes. But, only 0.003% have type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease where the pancreas does not make insulin.
Health issues come with many challenges, but a relatively new frustration for me is the overgeneralization of diabetes in public health data presentation. For example, this winter, we had an assembly discussing the relationship between redlining and public health. The presentation mentioned increased cases of diabetes in certain areas, but it did not mention which types, inaccurately including me in a data set. This lack of specificity creates confusion, invites unwanted health advice and leads to broad generalizations. Many people associate diabetes only with the more prevalent, obesity-related type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body destroys insulin-making beta cells. When the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, the body cannot absorb glucose and convert it into the energy needed to sustain life. Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin injections and blood glucose monitoring. I remember eight years ago, my great-grandmother referred to my diagnosis as “sugar diabetes.” A family member recently suggested that I try a vegan diet to reduce my body’s dependence on insulin.
On the other hand, with the more common type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t react properly to insulin and cannot keep blood glucose levels in a healthy range. Type 2 diabetes can be managed by changes in lifestyle, such as diet and exercise, but can also include medications. Of the 38 million Americans living with diabetes, 36 million have type 2.
Most people living with health conditions are open to questions or conversations as long as they’re phrased with the intent to understand rather than to offer solutions.
My type 1 diabetes has taught me the importance of sensitivity in discussions about health. I have served on the Children’s Hospital Youth Advisory Council for years, and I get to interact with peers living with more severe and complex conditions than my own. I try to be mindful and understand people’s different health situations. And when it comes to diabetes, avoid saying, “My grandmother has that too,” or “My dog is diabetic, so she has to walk on the treadmill now.” These often come from the assumption that I have the more common type 2, and people begin to make associations where there is no connection.
Instead, ask for clarification: “Do you have type 1 or type 2?” “How does this impact your life?” This makes the individual feel more seen, understood, and in control of the narrative surrounding their health.
Most people living with health conditions are open to questions or conversations as long as they’re phrased with the intent to understand rather than to offer solutions. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Doing research can also be a good way to learn more. Type 1 Diabetes has made me feel misunderstood in many ways, but it makes a difference when people try to understand.
When talking about physical or mental health, don’t generalize, empathize.
