Reality TV this year has turned into a primer on type 1 diabetes.
I can't tell you how many people have asked me if I watch Celebrity Apprentice this year. Not because I'm a big Trump fan (although I did meet him a few years ago!). It's because contestant Bret Michaels has type 1 diabetes. He's shared what it was like to grow up with diabetes and got very emotional when he learned his daughter was being tested for type 1.
Over on American Idol, front runner Crystal Bowersox hasn't talked about it as much, but she has type 1 as well. Of course, it's not like she's going to sing about it, but early in the competition she wasn't well enough to perform one night and that got a lot of attention. Last week she partnered with her church to donate money to the diabetes camp she attended as a child.(click here to read about it)
As a parent of a child with type 1, I'm always grateful when high profile folks share their experiences with diabetes. Of course, now Bret Michaels is going through a terrible time, in critical condition still, days after a brain hemorrhage. I can only wonder how diabetes is affecting his body and his treatment.
Like many people, I can't say I had a single thought about Michaels until just a couple of weeks ago. Now I'm hoping and praying for his recovery and for his daughter's health.
On the one hand, I’m thankful for what Bret Michaels is doing for the cause and for his passion, and I certainly am concerned for his recovery and his daughter’s well-being. However, I’m also a little disappointed with some of his information. On on of the recent shows, he said that since he had type 1 diabetes, there’s a 50-50 chance that his children will also have the disease. Thankfully, everything I’ve read states that the likelihood is much lower, but I just hate for more rumors and misinformation to be spread about the disease. I guess we’ll just have to take what we can get though, and any time in the spotlight is definitely a step forward!