7 Common Things People Say About Type 1 Diabetes — And Why They Hurt

When a child is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, families aren’t just overwhelmed by medical changes—they’re hit with a wave of misunderstanding from those around them.

Here are 7 things people often say—and why they do more harm than good.

1. “At least it’s not cancer.”

Yes, cancer is devastating—but it ends.
Type 1 Diabetes doesn’t. There’s no remission. No “ringing the bell.”
It's 24/7, for life. Insulin is not a cure. It’s life support.

2. “They look so healthy.”

That’s the thing. Type 1 is invisible.
The fight is in the background—through injections, CGMs, sleepless nights, and constant calculations.

3. “I know someone with diabetes. They just take pills.”

That’s Type 2.
Type 1 is not lifestyle-based. It's an autoimmune disease, and it’s insulin-dependent.
Without insulin, the body shuts down. It’s that serious.

4. “They’ll grow out of it, right?”

They won’t.
There is no cure for Type 1 Diabetes. It doesn’t go away with age, diet, or exercise.

5. “Just watch what they eat.”

It’s not about sugar.
It’s about the body’s inability to make insulin.
Yes, we count carbs—but we also dose insulin around sleep, stress, exercise, illness, and more. It’s never just food.

6. “At least insulin manages it.”

Insulin doesn’t manage it—we do.
We dose it, track it, calculate it, and pray it works.
Even when we do everything right, blood sugar can still spike or crash with no warning.

7. “You’re overreacting.”

We’re not.
We’re trying to keep someone alive, 24 hours a day.
If anything, we’re reacting exactly as we should.

💡 What Should You Say Instead?

• “That sounds really tough. I’m here for you.”

• “Can I learn more so I can help?”

• “You’re doing an incredible job.”

Support starts with understanding.
So before you speak—listen.

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