Type 1 Diabetes Myths

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is a children’s disease.
Fact: It hasn’t been called “juvenile diabetes” for more than two decades, because type 1 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age, and one doesn’t outgrow it. In fact, more than half of people with type 1 diabetes are over 18.

Myth:  Type 1 diabetes isn't a serious disease

Fact:  Diabetes is a serious disease that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, eye disease, amputations, and nerve damage.  Diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States.

Myth: Type 1 Diabetes is caused by eating too much sugar

Fact:  Type 1 diabetes occurs when your immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. 

Type 1 diabetes is not preventable.  There is not cure for it.  Anyone, at any age can get it.  The cause is unknown.    It's often mistaken for the flu.  

Know the early warning signs.

• unquenchable thirst
• frequent urination
• in babies and toddlers, heavy diapers
• in children with no previous concerns, sudden bedwetting
• weight loss (despite an increased appetite)
• decreased energy level
• blurry vision
• a fruity smell to the breath

International Diabetes Federation: What is Diabetes

https://www.idf.org/aboutdiabetes/what-is-diabetes.html

Warning Signs of Diabetes

https://beyondtype1.org/warning-signs-of-type-1-diabetes/

Diabetes Statistics

• CDC National Report: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
• ADA Summary: https://www.diabetes.org/resources/statistics/statistics-about-diabetes

CDC: All about your A1c

The A1C test is a  blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months 

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

DKA is most common in T1D and is serious complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening 

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/diabetic-ketoacidosis.html

Diabetic Neuropathy

Simply put, diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that is caused by diabetes.

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies

Diabetic Kidney Disease

1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/diabetic-kidney-disease
 

Diabetic Retinopathy

An eye condition that can cause vision loss and blindness in people who have diabetes. 

https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/diabetic-retinopathy

Foot Complications

Diabetes related foot disease remains one of the most frequent causes of diabetes specific hospital admissions. 

https://bit.ly/3k7qNJj