Romance My Pancreas or Its Lack of Functioning

Romance My Pancreas or Its Lack of Functioning

While diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's are often romanticized in popular media, type 1 diabetes (T1D) receives far less attention. And while it's a good thing that these experiences are showcased, Hollywood needs to continue expanding and diversifying its coverage of health challenges and chronic diseases.

You don't see popular actresses like Shailene Woodley injecting themselves with insulin on the big screen. That representation wouldn't just help people with T1D feel seen but also raise awareness among the general public, especially within high-risk populations.

The country needs to take note of T1D: an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the pancreas’s insulin-producing beta cells. Once someone has it, it affects them for the rest of their lives.

Injecting Insulin in the Moonlight

Without imagination, there's nothing romantic or dreamy about needing to inject insulin, often four times daily, when you're not using an insulin pump. It's not particularly glamorous to roll up your shirt and stick a needle in your belly, or to pull down your pants and expose your backside to the world before injecting it.

Not everyone looks like Margot Robbie when more skin is exposed, but they shouldn't feel embarrassed.

On the other hand, the creatives of the world might see T1D as a main character's Achilles' heel. And that's worth bringing to the cinema!

Still, I understand that pricking your fingers as many times as you inject yourself with a needle (often even more) only to develop calluses does not exactly invite a moonlit kiss with Ryan Gosling. Maybe in the hands of the right writer? I volunteer! (Clearly, I have ideas.)

Although T1D is usually not depicted in film today, its absence at the cinema draws attention to the condition in much the same way, begging the question: Why not highlight it?

A Brief History of T1D's Impact

Type 1 diabetes has impacted millions of people throughout history. According to The National Medical Journal of India, diabetes was first described by the Egyptians in 1550 B.C.E. as the "sweet urine disease."

Symptoms of T1D often include:

• Frequent urination

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Confusion

• Loss of appetite

• Sweet or fruity breath

Although treatments for the condition exist, a cure has not been found.

Note to reader: scribble with more intensity as you follow along.

Type 1 diabetes is treatable, manageable, and survivable. However, that doesn't mean individuals living with T1D don't experience challenges. Many go to bed each night wondering, “Will I wake up tomorrow? Will I experience low blood sugar?”

It's not that people with T1D lead miserable lives; I can confirm this from my own experience. Many of us are generally content and often possess greater empathy and compassion than the average person due to our life experiences.

Plus, we can be quite romantic. So can our lives!

T1D Deserves Main Character Status to Reflect Its Energy

While we might not always find ourselves portrayed in the media—like sharing romantic moments with Ansel Elgort or enjoying twilight strolls with Ryan Gosling—we are a vibrant community of 1.25 million Americans with diabetes, and countless others worldwide!

Though the pancreas (and its lack of function in T1Ds) isn't often center stage, our spirit and resilience shine brightly.

Type 1 diabetes is frequently an unseen condition and, as a result, is unfortunately overlooked in entertainment. This isn't to suggest it should be the butt of the joke—certainly not—but it does deserve representation in films. Whether through a meaningful story or valuable characters.

T1Ds Have Loads of Character: Give Us the Star Treatment

With recent advancements in treatment transforming the management of T1D, it's time to improve media coverage of it. After all, everyone deserves recognition after the initial prick-and-lick process. (If you know, you know. If you don't, it probably sounds weird.)

Romance isn't rooted in normalcy; it's defined by the passion of its creators. Producers should recognize the cinematic potential of featuring characters with T1D: the risk of death, hospitalization, relatability versus uniqueness, and overcoming obstacles—harsh, but true.

The characteristics are present, and we're waiting for a hero or heroine to place T1D at the heart of romance, to conquer it as many of us do daily, against all odds.

After all, the confidence a woman shows in lowering her pants or raising her shirt to treat herself, and the empathy she gains for humanity through her experience, are undeniably attractive.

People with type 1 can be fearless. They can be daring. They can be warriors. They can even be like Katniss Everdeen. They can be whoever they want to be, so why not take center stage?

Studios and theaters, we're ready!