Treatments Keep Coming, But A Cure Remains Elusive
An interesting article in the Vancouver Sun has brought up an issue we talk about quite frequently at the JDCA – new technology is making it easier to live with type 1 diabetes, but it is costly and we are still far from the cure we are all hoping for.
The article goes on to mention a number of new technologies that are helping people today, but makes note that no matter how good they are, the dangers of developing complications, such as blindness and heart disease and kidney failure.
“All the really scary things that are on your mind, wondering if you’re going to get them,” says Liz Wilton-McMahan, the 34-year-old director of operations with Vancouver’s Bard on the Beach, who has had type 1 diabetes for almost two decades.
That seems to be the progression of many people living today with the condition – those of lucky enough to get the best devices enjoy some benefit, but all of us know that such solutions can not really be a substitute for a cure.
There are many, however, who either seem content with simply having to rely on devices, because they do not see the possibility of a cure ever materializing. They have given up hope, so to say, and only try to do the best with what we can. Which, in some ways is understandable, but given how much potential there is the diabetes community to do great things and push for some big changes, it would be a shame if we did not focus a portion of research on projects aiming for a Practical Cure.
We can not be satisfied with simply having the second best option, or satisfied with simply surviving. There are millions of people with type 1 from all around the world that need a cure, rather than spending more and more money on devices and treatments that can not help everyone that needs it. It is up to us to make our voices heard to really do something about it and ensure that the fight for a type 1 diabetes cure continues.
- Stoyan
