A little over 2 years ago, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. There are different diabetes diseases. Most people know Type 2. T1 is different and an autoimmune disease. It is indiscriminate and affects 1 in every 200 people. That means you know someone who has it. They have a tendency to hide it, but I promise you know more than one person.
It’s a weird disease. A piece of candy can save your life. But, candy without insulin will kill you.
Is it life threatening? Yes.
Is it manageable? Yes. But, it is a grind. Image a lifelong, mundane job with no vacations...ever. Do you eat without counting carbs and injecting insulin 30 minutes before everything you eat? T1 diabetics don’t.
This is T1. Needles. Insulin and other supplies ....which is monopolized and costs at least $1000 a month without insurance to stay alive.
Barbara Davis Center is the first organization that we encountered after my son’s onset. They are amazing. They were there on day 1 with training and understanding. They are there now with ongoing care and cutting-edge research.
My son is a rock. He runs cross country and is a straight A student. And, he grinds every day.
Please donate to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation which funds the Barbara Davis Center in Colorado.
Anything will help.