How Do You "Get" Diabetes?

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition that affects people of all ages, genders, and races, worldwide. T1D is not a result of activity levels or diet, but rather genetic factors, autoimmune response, and environmental triggers. People are diagnosed at all ages, meaning many do not know that they have diabetes until their late teens, or even during adulthood. Even you could be diagnosed with diabetes (type 1 or type 2).

What is diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a result of the body attacking its own cells, resulting in a lack of insulin production from the pancreas. Where non-diabetics eat carbs and have their insulin produced by their pancreas to balance out the glucose added to their blood by carbohydrates, type 1 diabetics need to take insulin through injections or insulin pumps. Without insulin, a type 1 diabetic would experience hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and, if hyperglycemia occurs for a prolonged period, diabetics could experience a potentially fatal condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) where the body breaks down fats as fuel and acids build up in the bloodstream.

How is diabetes treated?

In 1921, Canadian doctors Frederick Banting and Charles Best developed insulin, which led to type 1 diabetes no longer being a death sentence. In recent decades, complex technological innovations mean that, while still a major inconvenience, diabetes is something that can be dealt with without having a catastrophic impact on one's life.

The main concern with diabetes is blood sugar, which is the amount of sugar in one's blood. Carbohydrates (present in most food) cause blood sugar to increase, whereas insulin causes it to decrease.  Diabetics must make important decisions to ensure that their blood sugar does not become too low or too high, with both cases being unhealthy. Prolonged or severe low or high blood sugar may lead to severe complications or even death.

What can you do to help?

 There's a lot of ways to help out with the cause.

1. Get educated. This page is a great start, but consider checking out the sources below for more information

2. Engage with the community. There are lots of community events that are always seeking volunteers. Consider checking out I Challenge Diabetes, Diabetes Canada, and Breakthrough T1D for organizations operating in Ontario.

3. Donate. I Challenge Diabetes, Diabetes Canada, and Breakthrough T1D are organizations which also are seeking donations. Read more on their websites about where your money will go.