type 1 diabetes
"For instance, the International Space Station is arguably the most complex machine ever built by man, coming in with a cost around $150 billion. But Type 1 Diabetes is one of the most complex diseases to understand, with no concrete reasons for diagnosis and no ultimate "cure" (yet). The disease is estimated to cost approximately $245 billion per year to diagnose, treat and maintain. And both systems require combinations of micro and macro corrections, check-ins, and software updates to maintain successfully. "
"It is no surprise that the 'new' insulins have failed to improve glucose control in most patients. Managing type 1 diabetes is, like becoming a champion golfer, a complex task in which coaching and perseverence are essential. Giving the amateur the most expensive set of clubs will not make him a champion golfer in the same way that changing a diabetic teenager with an HbA1c of 12% to analogue human insulins will not result in the target of 7% being miraculously reached. On the other hand, the expert golfer or expert type 1 diabetic may obtain a small but worthwhile advantage from a change of clubs or insulin. If no advantage results from the change, the golfer will revert to his old clubs but the type 1 diabetic has to be extremely determined to persuade the clinic to switch him back to his old insulin."
"I often say managing type 1 diabetes is like flying a plane. A plane is off-course most of the time and the pilot checks his instruments to bring it back on course. That's type 1 diabetes."
Sounds like sailing or life in general.
"Type 1 diabetes is like a fire in the beta cells. Ultimately the C-peptide levels (aka life in beta cells) depletes to undetectable because the fuel burning the fire is the insulin-producing cells. In the last century the use of insulin to treat diabetes has had an effect in controlling blood glucose but no response in controlling the autoimmune attack that provokes the disease."
"There are days where you'll feel on top of your game and others where you'll feel worn down and done with the extra hassle around every meal. In some ways, Type 1 diabetes is like you've had another child join the family. At first, like a newborn, the diabetes will need a lot of deliberate care and focus, but as time goes on, it will not be as time intensive and you all will become used to how it fits into your family."
"Managing Type 1 diabetes is like flying a complex jet airplane. What we need is an Auto Pilot Easy Button to keep us flying level and safe. "
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