The Truth About Type 1 Diabetes
Reviewed by Melinda Ratini on February 23, 2017
Sources
Joslin Diabetes Center: "Common Questions About Type 1 Diabetes," "New to Type 1 Diabetes? Information for Parents," "What is Type 1 Diabetes?", Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: "Exercise.", American Diabetes Association: "Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes."
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Video Transcript
SPEAKER: Some common myths can
make type 1 diabetes seem more
confusing than it is.
Let's clear things
up with the truth.
Only children get type 1
diabetes, right?
No.
You can get it at any age,
but mostly kids and young adults
are diagnosed with it.
Does eating too many sweets cause it? No. Something out of your control triggers the disease. Experts aren't sure why, but your immune system mistakenly stops your pancreas from making insulin. And insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar.
Can I take diabetes pills for my type 1? No. Pills help treat type 2 diabetes. The medicine you need to stay healthy is insulin. And you can't take it by mouth. Instead, you use insulin shots, pens, inhalation powder, or a pump throughout the day. With practice, it becomes part of your daily routine.
Does eating too many sweets cause it? No. Something out of your control triggers the disease. Experts aren't sure why, but your immune system mistakenly stops your pancreas from making insulin. And insulin is a hormone that controls blood sugar.
Can I take diabetes pills for my type 1? No. Pills help treat type 2 diabetes. The medicine you need to stay healthy is insulin. And you can't take it by mouth. Instead, you use insulin shots, pens, inhalation powder, or a pump throughout the day. With practice, it becomes part of your daily routine.