Diabetes on the Brain

This ADA article talks about the possibility that an artificial pancreas could be available in just a few years. This is good news for type 1 diabetics and people with severe type 2. The device would still be outside the body, but would test blood sugar and dispense the right amount of insulin, just like a pancreas does for people without diabetes.

Right now for type 1 diabetics, testing the blood and dispensing the insulin are two separate jobs, and both require sticking a needle in your skin. Type 2 diabetics can often get by taking pills, but still have to do finger sticks to check blood sugar levels every now and then.

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2:

Type 1 is "an autoimmune disease caused when the body mistakenly destroys the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. " This means that the there was some sort of sickness in the body that mimicked the insulin making cells in the pancreas, and when the body fought off the sickness, it attacked those cells too.

Type 2 is when "either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin." It is often called "insulin resistant." This is the kind that is often caused by unhealthy eating and living habits, but not always.

If I were to have to choose between these two types, I am not sure which I would choose. The first one allows you to eat more normally, but requires that you take 4-6 shots a day. The other one you can take pills, but you really have to watch your diet. The Boy has type 1.

Reasons why The Boy should not let his numbers fluctuate so much:

For people with type-1 diabetes, scrupulous care is needed to avoid swings in blood sugar levels. If levels go too low, the patient can pass out and die. When blood sugar goes too high, it damages capillaries and eventually organs.

Patients whose sugar levels regularly creep up suffer gradual and usually symptomless damage until they go blind, or lose kidney function, suffer heart damage or perhaps lose a limb.

The Boy went to Camp Stix in July and it was a great experience for him. Since going there he is much less shy about his disease and will take his shot at the table, rather than hiding in the restroom. He still doesn't like to check his blood sugar in front of people--probably because it does involve some blood. He came home energized and proud of who he is, instead of frustrated and self conscious. I hope it lasts.

About 24 million Americans have diabetes, with Type 1 accounting for 5 percent to 10 percent of diagnosed cases.

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