I wonder what most folks would think about me when reading the following statement, “Diabetes, a disease caused largely by obesity and lack of exercise, has been an increasing worry for decades. From the mid-1960s to the mid-’90s, the number of cases tripled.”

I read this sentence from an article on cnn.com this evening and groaned in frustration!! The truth is that diabetes is caused LARGELY by obesity and lack of exercise — about 90% of diabetics are struck with the condition for these reasons. But I’m exasperated because 10% of us are Type 1 diabetics (also called insulin-dependent or juvenile onset) due to matters far beyond our control. Researchers believe Type 1 is probably caused by a faulty immune system that mistakenly attacks the islet cells which produce insulin within the pancreas. Most people with Type 1 will be diagnosed before age 40, thus the “juvenile” title.

What bugs me most about the general diabetes label is that miseducated, well-meaning individuals think I can exercise off my diabetes or that I shouldn’t be eating sweets, much like Type 2s. So, to set the record straight… My body does not produce any insulin, and will not, without medical intervention, ever produce insulin in the future. And though I must watch my diet, watching it means counting all the carbohydrates and proportionately administering insulin.

The last thing that worries me about the article is that the numbers of Type 2 diabetics is increasing dramatically. Actually, this is a problem of epidemic proportions that all of us should be concerned about. But my main worry is entirely selfish… With Type 2s increasing, I imagine the bulk of research money will be focused on this aspect of diabetes and not as much on curing Type 1.

Glad I got this issue of my chest. Feelin’ better already! (Now go forth a more educated person today.)