Julia – “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about diabetes Jared. Which type of diabetes do you have Jared, is it type 1 or type 2?”

Jared – “I have type 1 diabetes.“

Julia – “Jared, I have noticed that you are very active in sports and you are really in good shape. Have you encountered very many people who think just overweight kids get diabetes or that eating too many sweets causes diabetes?”

Jared – “That is true with type 2 diabetes, not with the type 1 that I have.”

Research indicates that Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes among children and young adults. However, type 2 diabetes rates are soaring because of the youth obesity problem. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be controlled by changes in diet and exercise.

Julia – “How old were you Jared when you were first diagnosed with Juvenile type 1 diabetes and how long ago was that?”

Jared – “I was eleven when I got really sick and almost died. I stayed in the hospital for a week. That was about two years ago.

Julia – “That is an interesting little box you have in your pocket, Jared, what is that?”

Jared – “That is my insulin pump. I got it a few months ago. Now I don’t have to give myself as many shots.”

Julia –“Does it hurt when you attach it to your skin?”

Jared – “Not really, I am kind of used to it.”

Julia – “How often do you move the part that attaches to your skin?”

Jared –“Every few day I have to move it.”

Julia – “Do you just move it around your belly button then?”

Jared – “No, it was on my thigh last week.”

Julia – “Do you wear your pump in water?”

Jared – “No, I have to take it off. I used to think it was waterproof. I found out that it is just water resistant. That is how I ruined my other one, this is a new one.”

Julia – “Does getting in the hot tub raise or lower your sugar?”

Jared –“It lowers my sugar.”

Julia – “Did you have to give up all of your favorite foods when you were diagnosed Jared.”

Jared – “Not really, I can still eat cake or donuts, I just have to check my sugar and calculate my insulin dosage before I eat.”

Julia – “Is it hard to calculate?”

Jared – “I am getting better at it. Sometimes, I still call my mom and ask her. I call her every day during lunch at school”

Julia – “Do your teachers give you a hard time?”

Jared – “Some have, my mom had to talk to the principal.”

Julia – “Thanks Jared, do you mind if I take a picture of your pump?”


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Photo Credit Julia Fuller 2007,
Special thanks to Jared for posing.