What can YOU do to support someone with T1?

** BIG GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT COMING..... TODAY @ 10am AZ time (12pm EST)! COME BACK TO FIND OUT DETAILS!!! **

(NaBloPoMo Day 12) 
After posting a few things we DON'T like to hear from non-Diabetic people, I was asked what IS helpful to hear. (Thanks, Jill)

This was my response to her today...

"I think just more understanding is appreciated. Or genuinely wanting to learn and be educated. I always like hearing that people can see how strong we are to be able to handle all that we do. Or just an understanding that we never get sleep at all."


And her response back to me...(I added some boldness for emphasis)

"Thanks Tracy good to know. Sometimes when I hear about all you do I really do wonder if I could do it all and stay sane. I didn't feel like I stayed sane just having 2 kids and working at AZVA, so it really really does seem so amazing to me that you do all that you do, both you and your husband. I honestly did not know much at all about type 1 diabetes, but am slowly learning little by little through your posts. The reason I saw this post was because I clicked on your post about with the video about insulin not being a cure and it took me to your profile page. I still haven't watched that video yet because I can't get it to open on my phone (not at home right now), but just the short comment about insulin being like duct tape was educational in itself. I will watch the whole video later. Little by little you are getting the word out and educating people. I will be praying for you and your family for an abundance of grace and blessings to be upon you. You are fighting a good fight and running a good race, keep up the good work!"


And THIS is exactly what we need to hear for support. Thank you so much Jill. I appreciate your willingness to read and learn little by little. It means a great deal to me and to the other T1 families out there.

Diabetes Fact #12: It is important for families of Diabetic children or the people with Diabetes themselves to genuinely try to understand what we go through, to learn about Diabetes along with us, and to support us through encouraging comments.

Diabetes Fact #11: Diabetes is ALL consuming. It is NOT our life, but it is a HUGE part of it.

Diabetes Fact #10: Parents of children with Diabetes HATE when people say "I could NEVER do it!" when referring to the management of their kid's disease. In reality, YOU could, and WOULD do it if you HAD to. We probably had the same thoughts as you and now look at us, doing it 24/7.

Diabetes Fact #9: The term "Juvenile Diabetes" is outdated. We now call it "T1 Diabetes" or "Insulin Dependent Diabetes". People with this type of Diabetes will NEVER outgrow it. EVER. They will have this relentless disease until a CURE is found.

Diabetes Fact #8: A cure would be great, but a long life without complications is a close second for people with T1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Fact #7: Diabetes kills more people each year than cancer and AIDS combined. It is serious. We NEED a cure!

Diabetes Fact #6: While people with T1 Diabetes strive for blood glucose (BG) numbers from 80-120, it is NOT uncommon to see numbers MUCH lower or MUCH higher. There are SO many factors that go into each number and it is very challenging to see readings that are “in range” for EVERY reading.

Diabetes Fact #5: Type 1 Diabetes strikes 15,000 children every year in the US. That's 40 children per day. On July 10, 2008 The Superhero was one of the 40. Today, it could be YOUR child, or someone you know. This is why it is SO important to take the time to learn about the disease.

Diabetes Fact #4: Type 1 Diabetics may take insulin through syringes, insulin pens, or insulin pumps. What they use is a reflection of their choice and/or finances, NOT disease severity.

Diabetes Fact #3: People with Diabetes CAN eat anything they want as long as they match the carbohydrates with insulin.

Diabetes Fact #2: T1 Diabetes is NOT caused by eating too much sugar or being over weight. It IS an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented.

Diabetes Fact #1: T1 Diabetes CANNOT be treated with medication. The only way to manage T1 Diabetes is with insulin. Without insulin, T1 Diabetics would die. Period.

*Disclaimer: I am a mom of a T1 Diabetic child. I am NOT a doctor. I just play one in real life. Please do not take anything in this post or any other post on this blog as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns of your own, please seek advice from your doctor.*