Breaking Social Stereotypes: Type 1 Diabetes

Dr. Peter Light and Siyapreet.

Photo by Richard Siemens, courtesy of the Alberta Diabetes Institute

Diabetes is not a label. One is not defined by a disease. So why do individuals with Type 1 diabetes, especially young children, feel they are treated differently compared to others?

There is a lack of knowledge and education about diabetes, including symptoms, causes, the impact of insulin and glucose, and the complication’s one can face when not properly caring/managing themselves. People are slowly becoming more aware of diabetes, the types, it’s implications and the immense mental load that individuals face, but there is still a lot of ignorance.

Take Siyapreet for example. A common diabetes myth is that only old or unhealthy people get diabetes, and that eating too much sugar or junk food is the cause. So, in April 2016, prior to her 7thbirthday, Siyapreet and her family were shocked to learn she had Type 1 diabetes (T1d). At the same time, she also discovered she was celiac and was somewhat lactose intolerant (which sometimes occurs alongside diabetes). “Never did I ever imagine such a young child, so active being diagnosed”, says Siyapreet’s father Raj, “There’s always the stereotypical thing, where you think it can’t happen to healthy people”.

As soon as she was diagnosed, Siyapreet was taken into the care at the Stollery Children’s Hospital. There she received unconditional love from her parents and support from nurses for over a week. The nurses showed Siyapreet and her parents how to properly inject insulin, what an eating regime should look life, carb counting, and reviewing her nutritional needs to set her up for a successful future.

Now, with over two years managing T1d, Siyapreet and her father both express frustration at the ignorance of people unfamiliar with diabetes. Many people believe that you can potentially “outgrow” diabetes, that Type 1 is considered the “bad type of diabetes”, and that diet alone can manage T1d. On top of which, there is a stigma surrounding individuals with diabetes that need to inject insulin or test blood with a glucose monitor in public. People are often uncomfortable with the sight of public insulin injections, but for a person with diabetes, putting their health first is fundamental!

At school Siyapreet has constant communication with her teacher about her blood sugar levels. She takes action by drinking water when her levels are high, and takes Dex4, which is fast acting glucose, when her levels are low. Although Siyapreet’s teacher and classmates are getting comfortable to her managing her diabetes, Siyapreet finds the greatest comfort in her friend Sarah, who also has T1d. Together, they educate their classmates about diabetes.

In the Fall of 2016, Siyapreet won an Alberta Diabetes Foundation colouring contest to become a Junior Researcher for a day. Siyapreet brought her father Raj and best friend Sarah. Together they got to tour the Alberta Diabetes Institute for an insider’s look at the facilities; Cell Therapy Manufacturing, the Clinical Research Unit, the Human Nutrition Research Unit, and the Physical Activity and Diabetes Laboratory.

Siyapreet’s highlight of being a Junior Researcher for a day was going on the news. She was glad to be able to speak to all races, genders, and ages about Type 1 diabetes. She was able to share her story as a youth with Type 1 diabetes and how this shaped her as an individual. For her, it’s about educating not only the person with the diabetes, but their support system too. Siyapreet really wants to end the stigma against diabetes, one small step at a time.

Want to make a difference and help stop the ignorance surrounding diabetes?

1) Get educated.

Learn more about diabetes, the types, who’s at risk, and what it’s like living with it.

2) Spread the word

Confront diabetes stereotypes when you hear them.

3) Get involved

There are a lot of diabetes organizations that could use your support. Check out the Alberta Diabetes Foundation website for ways to volunteer or for fundraising events you can join.