Insulin is Not a Cure for Type 1 Diabetes
It’s commonly mistaken that insulin is a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. While Touched by Type 1, a nonprofit organization focused on finding a cure, would be shouting from the rooftops if that was the case, Diabetes is still a leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, in an interview, founder of Touched by Type 1, Elizabeth Forrest said, “Insulin is not a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, it’s simply a life saving tool that allows me to sit here in front of you.”
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 Diabetes. It is administered as a required treatment for Type 1 Diabetes, wherein the body does not produce insulin, and it is also sometimes used in people with Type 2 Diabetes, where the body does not use the insulin properly. While insulin is essential for managing Diabetes and is lifesaving for those who require it, it does not cure those with the disease.
Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic disease, affecting more than 1.9 million Americans, that requires lifelong management. Treatment plans for Type 1 Diabetes includes a combination of insulin therapy, diet and lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Research continues to explore potential cures for Type 1 Diabetes, such as islet cell transplantation, beta-cell regeneration, and gene therapies.
It's important to continue spreading awareness about Type 1 Diabetes, its management, and the need for ongoing support for individuals living with the disease. Organizations like Touched by Type 1 play a vital role in education, advocacy, and providing resources for the Diabetes community.
If you or someone you love is struggling to understand all the intricacies of Type 1 Diabetes, the team at Touched by Type 1 created the D-Box which is a starter kit providing important resources and supportive materials to help individuals thrive. Get your D-Box today!
At its core, proper type 1 diabetes management is composed of a handful of elements: blood glucose control and insulin management, exercise, nutrition and support. Knowing first-hand the intricacies of living with Type 1 Diabetes, the team at Touched by Type 1 has created the D-Box.