I have had type 1 diabetes for 52 years. you may know it. Diagnosed at age 18. Like nearly everyone diagnosed with type 1 diabetes each year, I was told that a cure would be found within 5-10 years. Of course not. In fact, I don't think it will happen in my lifetime.
That's not to say I don't appreciate all the advances we're getting: better insulin, faster insulin, less peaking insulin, smarter insulin pens, continuous glucose monitors, continuous glucose monitors and more. Insulin pumps, looping, etc. that have become more comfortable. Most of these advances have come in the past decade. Somehow speed begets speed. Progress begets progress.
And yet, each year we honor this once-a-year day when we stand tall and try to bring awareness to this condition that many of us have been living with for a very long time. I think it's better than not doing it, but I feel like it's encouraging complacency. It quiets the masses.
I wish I had done more if possible, but I don't know. Part of what I know is that these campaigns promoting Diabetes Day with blue balloons and roses and sharing stories are great for newcomers to our ranks, but this old Rank-and-file members say they feel these efforts are distracting. We are still a long way from our initial promise.
To be honest, when I started writing this article, I never expected to end up here. On this wonderful day, I was hoping to share with you the campaign that Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) is running and expand the opportunities for participation. So this is it – “What do we need a T1D breakthrough for?” And yes, that's nice.
But since there is no reason to recognize a disease that no longer exists, wouldn't it be better to abolish World Diabetes Day?