T1D Strong, Berkeley, CA (2025)

02/19/2025

Kerry’s Misdiagnosis: From Type 2 to the Truth

For years, Kerry was told she had type 2 diabetes. But when treatments stopped working, she knew something wasn’t right. The real answer? She had type 1 diabetes (T1D) all along.

Early-stage T1D can look like type 2 because the pancreas still produces some insulin. But as insulin production declines, symptoms worsen—leaving many misdiagnosed and searching for answers.

🏥 Proper testing—like antibody and C-peptide tests—can make all the difference.

Read Kerry’s journey to the right diagnosis: link in bio ☝️

01/27/2025

After 11 years of misdiagnosis, Anna discovered her true condition: Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA), a slow-progressing form of type 1 diabetes often mistaken for type 2. Her journey highlights the importance of self-advocacy, early detection with tools like CGMs, and never settling for ‘normal’ when it doesn’t feel right.

Anna reminds us, "Trust yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, keep asking questions. Your health is worth fighting for."

Today, as a certified nutrition counselor, Anna helps others navigate their own diabetes challenges. ❤️ Read more about Anna's story here: https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/misdiagnosed-with-gestational-diabetes-type-2-diabetes

01/24/2025

You might find this hard to believe, but it’s true: scientists are working on a groundbreaking therapy to stop the progression of type 1 diabetes using cloned cows!

SAB BioSciences is using genetically engineered cows to produce human immunoglobulin (IgG) — a game-changing therapy to protect insulin-producing beta cells and slow T1D progression.

Recently a young girl who received one dose of rabbit-derived IgG, has gone 4+ years without needing insulin. Now, SAB’s human IgG could allow for safer, repeated treatments. 💖

Read more about this research at the link below!
https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/will-these-scientists-and-their-cows-help-cure-type-1-diabetes

01/22/2025

The numbers don’t lie: T1D cases have surged from 2.3M in 1990 to 9.4M in 2024, and projections for 2040 hit a staggering 16.4M.

🔹 Fast Facts:
- 🌍 Rising globally at 2-5% per year, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
- 📊 Rates are climbing most rapidly in countries with lower socioeconomic resources, emphasizing the need for equitable healthcare solutions.
- 💡 Causes? Genetics, environmental factors (like vitamin D levels), and improved screening.

📊 Who’s Affected Most?
- Scandinavian countries lead in incidence rates.
- T1D is most common in non-Hispanic Caucasians but rising across all ethnicities.
- You can be diagnosed at any age—even in your 60s or 70s.

Awareness and early detection save lives. Know the signs, get screened, and advocate for more research to better understand T1D’s triggers and find a cure.

https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/new-type-1-diabetes-statistics-report

01/18/2025

“When you know something doesn’t feel right, don’t stop pushing for answers.” – Trapper Haskins

At just 36, Trapper — a musician, author, and woodworker—was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes. For seven years, he endured extreme diets, grueling fitness routines, and mounting frustration as his blood sugar remained out of control. It wasn’t until 2020 that he finally received the correct diagnosis: latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), also known as Type 1.5 diabetes.

💡 What Trapper’s Story Teaches Us:
1️⃣ Diabetes isn’t one-size-fits-all.
2️⃣ Self-advocacy is critical.
3️⃣ Misdiagnoses can happen, but persistence leads to clarity.

Today, Trapper manages his type 1 diabetes with confidence, balancing insulin therapy with his creative passions. His journey down the "crooked river" of misdiagnosis is a powerful reminder to trust your gut and never stop seeking the right answers.

✨ Learn more about Trapper’s story — and his adventures as an author and musician — here: https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/misdiagnosed-with-t2d-trappers-story-of-persistence

01/17/2025

The American Diabetes Association has released new guidelines packed with advancements to improve diabetes prevention, treatment, and management. Here’s everything you need to know:

1️⃣ CGM for T2D: Continuous Glucose Monitoring is now recommended for individuals with type 2 diabetes, even those not on insulin. Dexcom’s OTC Stelo sensor offers a 15-day wear time, making glucose monitoring easier and more accessible!

2️⃣ GLP-1 Medications: Beyond weight loss, GLP-1 drugs support heart and kidney health while helping manage blood sugar levels. These are recommended for T2D, with promising research for T1D.

3️⃣ Early T1D Screening: Antibody testing is encouraged for those with a family history of T1D. Early detection can delay symptoms for years. Check out tools like TrialNet and T1D Strong’s DNA testing kit (pending FDA approval).

4️⃣ Medication Shortages: Insulin and diabetes medication shortages persist, but the ADA provides resources on alternatives, patient assistance programs, and advocacy for affordable insulin access.

5️⃣ Individualized Care: A person-centered approach now considers mental health, social determinants, and lifestyle. Diabetes care isn’t one-size-fits-all!

6️⃣ Weight Lifting: Strength training 2–3 times a week is now recommended for better insulin sensitivity, stronger bones, and metabolic health.

7️⃣ Cannabis Use: Recreational cannabis is discouraged due to risks like DKA.

8️⃣ Hydration Matters: Choose water over artificial sweeteners for better long-term health. Pro tip: Check your urine color to monitor hydration!

9️⃣ Sexual Health: Men and women now have dedicated screening guidelines, addressing hormonal imbalances, UTIs, and menopause-related symptoms.

🔟 Open-Source AID Systems: The ADA supports automated insulin delivery (AID) systems and guides healthcare providers to help patients optimize them.

https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/10-highlights-of-the-ada-2025-standards-of-care

01/13/2025

Meet Reneé Rayles — actor, author, advocate, and the force behind the popular platform "Hey Type 1 Diabetes." After being misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, Reneé’s journey to a Type 1 diagnosis sparked her passion for educating and empowering the T1D community.

Through her platform, including her “Dear Diabetes” podcast and social media presence, she’s raising awareness, advocating for affordable insulin, and sharing real-life experiences to break down the barriers of diabetes management. 🌟💙

Learn more about Reneé’s journey: https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/actor-author-and-advocate-renee-rayles

01/06/2025

2024 saw a lot of firsts and we're moving closer than ever to a cure. For the first time, clinical trial participants with type 1 diabetes have achieved a "functional cure" through islet cell transplantation combined with a groundbreaking immunosuppressive therapy! 🩸✨

Quick facts:
- 2 participants are completely insulin-independent, with stable blood sugar levels following treatment.
- A third participant has reduced insulin needs by 60% and is on track for full independence.
- This was made possible using tegoprubart, a novel immunosuppressive drug with fewer side effects than standard treatments.

“Each breakthrough brings us closer to making insulin independence a reality for all,” says Dr. Piotr Witkowski of UChicago Medicine who oversaw the trials.

Read the full article to learn how this research is shaping the future of T1D treatment!

https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/first-t1d-functional-cure-using-immunosuppressive-therapy

01/03/2025

In an eye-opening discussion with Dr. Brendan Byrne, T1D Strong dives into the rising concerns around prediabetes and its link to type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Byrne highlights a shocking reality: one in three people either have prediabetes or T2D, with many unaware of their condition. He explains, “By the time you’re diagnosed with prediabetes, your pancreas is already failing,” underscoring the urgency of early detection and lifestyle changes.

Dr. Byrne emphasizes that T2D is largely preventable and even reversible with the right interventions. Through simple steps like improving diet, increasing physical activity, and managing stress, individuals can significantly reduce their risk or reverse insulin resistance altogether. His 4+2 Diabetes Reversal Strategy, which focuses on diet, sleep, exercise, and stress reduction, offers a proven roadmap to better health.

https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/how-to-reverse-prediabetes-naturally

12/26/2024

At 45, Lydie Pincemin was misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes when she actually had type 1 diabetes. Astonishingly, up to 40% of adults over 30 with T1D are initially misdiagnosed as type 2. Understanding that T1D can strike at any age is crucial for receiving life-saving treatment.

During a vacation in the U.S. with her daughter, mom, and mother-in-law, Lydie suddenly felt incredibly sick, spiking a fever of 107°F. Unable to board her flight home, she was rushed to the ER in Florida. Reflecting on the incident, Lydie realized she had been experiencing typical T1D symptoms—excessive thirst, frequent urination, and vision changes. However, she attributed her fatigue and mood swings to "long COVID," which she had been battling since contracting the virus two years prior.

In the ER, Lydie’s blood glucose levels were sky-high, and she was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis. Thankfully, the doctors immediately started her on insulin, which isn’t always the case with misdiagnoses. Alongside DKA, Lydie was also battling double-lung pneumonia, resulting in a four-day stay in intensive care. She was later transported to Quebec City for further treatment.

Lydie’s father had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at 45, leading her doctors to quickly assume the same for her. But this assumption nearly cost Lydie her life. In Canada, an astute endocrinologist reviewed her medical history and COVID infection, then tested her for autoantibodies. The result? Type 1 diabetes, not type 2.

Autoantibodies, the early markers of T1D, can appear years before symptoms. Early identification is key to accessing clinical trials to delay or prevent T1D. Today, Lydie is getting her daughter tested for T1D autoantibodies, recognizing the importance of early detection even without a strong family history. If you or a loved one has diabetes, consider autoantibody testing. It’s a simple step that can lead to significant preventive care.

https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/lydies-type-2-misdiagnosis-story

12/23/2024

✨ The holidays are a whirlwind of activity, and if you have Type 1, maintaining your routines is key to staying healthy and stress-free. With parties, sweet treats, and travel, it can be challenging to keep everything in balance. But fear not! Here are 8 practical tips to help you manage holiday stress and keep your T1D in check:

1. Watch What You Eat: Bring a healthy dish to parties, choose whole foods, and limit sugary drinks.
2. Stay Active: Don’t skip your workouts; even a walk with family can help manage blood sugar.
3. Stay Healthy: Prioritize sleep, wash your hands, and get your flu shot.
4. Be Mindful of Alcohol: Space out drinks with water and food to avoid blood sugar spikes.
5. Manage Stress: Plan ahead for travel, set realistic expectations, and don’t be afraid to say no.
6. Breathe: Practice deep breathing to reduce stress and improve circulation.
7. Schedule Self-Care: Take time for relaxing activities and connect with others in the T1D community.
8. Cultivate Gratitude: Focus on what you’re thankful for and give back to others.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and take breaks. Remember these tips to enjoy the season while keeping your T1D management on track. Happy Holidays! 🎄✨

https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/8-tips-to-tackle-holiday-stress-with-diabetes

12/20/2024

Navigating caffeine consumption can be tricky for those with Type 1. While coffee lovers may rejoice at its benefits — like increased concentration and a lower risk of some diseases — there are crucial considerations to keep in mind. Caffeine can impact blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity, and even your sleep quality, which in turn affects your glucose control.

Pros:
✅ Boosts energy and mood
✅ Contains antioxidants
✅ May lower risk of coronary heart disease and T2D

Cons:
❌ Sleep disturbances
❌ Increased blood pressure
❌ Potential for anxiety and dehydration

Noticing issues post-caffeine? Consult with your healthcare team to find the right solution for you.

https://www.type1strong.org/blog-post/brewing-balance-how-coffee-can-affect-diabetes

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