I resemble your typical mom—sporting a messy bun, driving a minivan, and indulging in a little too much coffee. I genuinely believe I’m raising four of the most wonderful kids in the world, although I sometimes find myself yelling across the house or yard. I make an effort to work out nearly every day and attempt to eat nutritious meals. To an outsider, I might come off as perfectly healthy, but beneath the surface lurks a chronic autoimmune condition: type 1 diabetes, an invisible illness that doesn’t reveal itself at first glance.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been categorized as part of a vulnerable population, a group that includes individuals with underlying health conditions and the elderly—those deemed at higher risk. I urge everyone to take social distancing and isolation guidelines seriously.
Throughout my fourteen years of living with type 1 diabetes, I’ve often heard, “You don’t look sick.” While those of us with invisible illnesses are accustomed to this comment, it still stings. What does “sick” look like, anyway? This kind of judgment can be exhausting and even discriminatory. Just because I appear healthy doesn’t mean I am.
I don’t consider myself to be sick every moment of the day, but I have unique medical needs. My oversized handbag is filled with medical supplies, including essentials for my insulin pump and quick-sugar snacks for emergencies. I also wear a medical ID bracelet, so if I were to collapse from low blood sugar, first responders would know my condition. Traveling light is not an option for me; it would be irresponsible.
My insulin pump, discreetly clipped to my waistband or sports bra, is often unnoticed unless someone is looking closely. There’s a tubing that delivers insulin directly into my body, and I also wear a continuous glucose monitor on my abdomen. This device keeps track of my blood sugar levels and syncs with my pump and phone, all critical tools for maintaining my health.
Why My Situation is Concerning During the COVID-19 Crisis
So why is my situation particularly concerning during the COVID-19 crisis? Managing type 1 diabetes requires everything to function harmoniously. Various factors—stress, dehydration, heat, and yes, illness—can dangerously impact my blood sugar levels. If my blood sugar stays too high for too long, I risk entering a life-threatening condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which constitutes a medical emergency. High blood sugar also compromises immunity, making me more vulnerable to the virus.
Achieving a perfect balance with diabetes is often elusive. The unpredictability of the condition can make it challenging even for someone experienced like me, equipped with advanced technology. Illness can send my blood sugar levels into disarray, complicating my ability to combat and recover from a virus.
The Importance of Adhering to Guidelines
Seeing people flout social distancing and isolation guidelines is infuriating. There has always been a tendency to overlook the elderly and those with disabilities. Healthy individuals frequently take their wellness for granted. I’ve even encountered people who mistakenly blame my diabetes on my diet, claiming I must have eaten too much sugar—an unfounded assumption.
It’s selfish to ignore public health recommendations. Every person deserves protection from COVID-19, regardless of their age or health status. The value of a life should never be judged by appearance; any loss is a tragedy.
Many erroneously believe that being young and healthy equates to immunity from COVID-19. Yet the reality has proven otherwise. While certain populations are at higher risk, younger individuals can also contract the virus. COVID-19 doesn’t manifest in a single way; it’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario.
I want everyone to understand the importance of taking the fight against COVID-19 seriously. I live in constant fear that someone—unaware they are carrying the virus—will mistakenly assume I’m healthy and inadvertently expose my family. While we practice social distancing, we can’t control the actions of others—those in stores, delivery personnel, or even joggers passing by our home.
So please, don’t judge someone based on their appearance. Adhere to guidelines to protect everyone, because the only way to navigate this pandemic is together. For more on health-related issues, check out this blog post and if you’re exploring options for home insemination, Make A Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, the CDC provides excellent guidance on pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, while I may seem young and healthy on the outside, my reality is far more complex. My chronic condition places me at risk in the face of a global pandemic, underscoring the need for everyone to take precautions seriously.
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