|Katie Hunter
When faced with the word diabetes, what springs to mind?
Poor eating and lack of exercise are both very common misconceptions and negative stereotypes strongly related to diabetes. Often those with diabetes are subject to mocking with a number of their peers making reference to their body image or sugary foods. However, the real causes of this disease are often overlooked.
Having covered the topic of health in relation to type 2 diabetes in a previous interview with Mr Shaw, this article will explore the life of a type 1 diabetic through the challenges they overcome each day:(https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/sl/oystercatcher/?s=mr+shaw ), this article will explore and provide insight into living with type 1.
There are many people in this world who have the disease. In fact, approximately 400,000 people are currently living with type 1 diabetes in the UK, with over 29,000 of them children. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce the hormone known as insulin. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body attacks and destroys the cells which are responsible for the production of insulin, which is needed to move glucose in and out of our blood and into our cells where we can use it as energy to carry out processes such as respiration. One diabetic you may be aware of is our current prime minister, Theresa May, who was diagnosed in 2012. It has been reported that May has to discreetly inject herself with insulin four or five times a day in order to stabilise her blood sugar levels. Quite rightly, our PM has said:
“You just get into a routine. You depend on that insulin and you just build that routine into your daily life. The crucial thing to me is being a diabetic doesn’t stop you from doing anything”
Within our own school, there are also numerous young people who face the struggles of living with diabetes each day. However, many pupils may not realise that there are, in fact, teachers who also balance their working careers along with coping with their disease. Although, it is important to note that insulin is not a cure for diabetes; it is a treatment. One member of staff who is keen to educate and help young people regarding this topic is english teacher and newspaper collaborator, Mr Wilkie. This week, an exclusive interview was held to ask specifically about how he has dealt with his condition and his views on other crucial aspects of the topic:
When and how did you become aware that you were diabetic?
“It wasn’t until the GP told my mum over the phone that my blood test results meant I had Type 1 Diabetes. I hadn’t even heard of the condition! I was in Primary 7 and only a few days away from my visit to the secondary school. As a child, I wasn’t fully aware of what was happening to me, all I knew was that I had felt very unwell for a few months. I had all the symptoms – extreme thirst, going to the toilet constantly, losing weight – and it reached a stage where I was almost embarrassed of how thirsty I was, so I started hiding it! Thankfully, my mum took me to my doctor just in time.”
How often do you have to check you glucose levels and does this impact on your every day life?
“I check my blood glucose levels before every meal, if I am going to drive (by law!) and before I go to bed. I also check them if I feel like I might be going into hypo (low blood sugars) or if I feel like my blood sugars are too high. This can mean I check my blood sugars between 5 and 10 times a day, depending on how well I feel.”
What would you say is the hardest part of being a diabetic?
“The expectations that come with trying to live a ‘normal’ life like everyone else. Because Type 1 Diabetes is a particularly unseen disability, it can sometimes come as a shock to people that I am unable to take part in exercise, or I can be very tired, or my mood can be low, just because of my blood sugars! Constantly managing blood sugars and insulin can be a bit troublesome sometimes, too. I try to be positive, though, and realise that my condition can be managed well.”
Has your illness caused you any setbacks in the past and, if so, how were you able to overcome them?
“It can be hard when there are times of high stress as often managing diabetes can tumble down the priority list. However, I feel like everyone in my life – my employer, family and friends – are so accommodating and understanding. I also know I have brilliant support from my specialist nurse, GP and consultant if I need it. Being honest is always the best policy, though, as it means you can overcome hurdles with the help of those around you. It is important that everyone knows that people with Type 1 Diabetes can have perfectly normal lives.”
Do you think its easier now for young people to grow up with diabetes than it was for you when you were younger?
“When I was younger I was told that a cure for Type 1 Diabetes was just around the corner, and that hasn’t quite materialised. I had brilliant support growing up with my condition, and I think that support has been improving over the past decade. For young people now, they probably have access to a great deal more information about their condition and people are probably more educated and understanding in their support of them.”
Do you think children and adults for example, in schools, should be educated on what to do if someone with diabetes takes ill?
“First and foremost, I think children and adults should know the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. As a person with Type 1 Diabetes it can be difficult to deal with people who think that my condition has been self-imposed and is my fault. I also think there’s quite a lot of unfair judgement of those with Type 2 Diabetes. If a Type 1 Diabetes has a severe hypoglycaemic episode, where they become unresponsive or unconscious, it is so important for those around them to know that they have the condition and for them to phone for an ambulance. The more informed we are, the more included those with Type 1 Diabetes will feel.”
Mr Wilkie is a true inspiration and can certainly show the pupils of our school that although coping with diabetes can prove daunting and challenging at times, it can certainly be managed allowing individuals to fulfill their potential.
