As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for personal journeys and resilience, I am deeply moved by Lance Bass‘s courage to share his health journey publicly. His experience serves as a poignant reminder that misdiagnoses can occur even in the most unexpected circumstances, and it takes determination and perseverance to uncover the truth.
When Lance Bass has been on a private health journey for years
Previously, it was thought that the former member of *NSYNC was suffering from Type 2 diabetes, but in actuality, he ended up having a form intermediate between Type 1 and Type 2, often referred to as Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).
Initially, upon receiving my diagnosis, it was challenging for me to manage my blood sugar levels, despite altering my diet, medication use, and exercise regimen. It felt like the pieces didn’t fit together properly. (Bass in an Instagram video, July 24)
Well, here’s an attempt at paraphrasing in a first-person perspective as a dedicated follower:
Similar to Type 1 diabetes, a condition called Type 1.5 diabetes (or Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults – LADA) is an autoimmune disorder where the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin. As a result, individuals with this condition require artificial insulin, either via injections or a portable pump, to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.
Although Type 1 diabetes is usually identified in adolescents, Type 1.5 diabetes tends to be detected in adults. In these instances, the pancreas gradually loses its insulin-producing capabilities, which means some individuals might not require artificial insulin at first. This resemblance to Type 2 diabetes, where medication, diet, and exercise are often effective treatments, is notable.
In a conversation with Yahoo! Life, Bass admitted he felt extremely aggravated due to being unable to solve a particular issue, which in turn negatively impacted him. He expressed feeling unwell and confused, as if he was actually ill, but couldn’t seem to find the solution. What he didn’t know at the time was that he was making errors because he was off by 1.5 units, leading him to perform incorrect actions.
The 45-year-old individual mentioned that he had struggled with diabetes symptoms for quite some time before he was diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he shared in an interview with People magazine back in March. (Symptoms of diabetes can occur across all types if left unchecked.)
At certain points, I’d feel unusually thirsty, Bass shared with Yahoo! Life. “I would often feel tired and sluggish. Now that I comprehend the effects of diabetes on my body, I can easily identify when my blood sugar levels are rising or falling.”
Currently, he sports a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor affixed to his person. This device takes readings of blood sugar levels approximately every few minutes and sends alerts to a mobile device or receiver should there be rapid changes. These alerts allow the individual to possibly consume more carbohydrates if the sugar is dropping too quickly, or administer additional insulin if it’s increasing.
In my role as a lifestyle expert, I find it fascinating to share a personal anecdote: My twins, Alexander and Violet, who are just turning two, seem to be budding doctors already! They’ve taken quite an interest in their dad’s diabetes management routines, often mimicking the roles during our playtime at home. It’s both humorous and heartwarming to see them emulate the care that I strive to take for my health.
He mentioned that he would point out the small, protruding part of his blood sugar meter, which always seems to captivate others. To their surprise, it doesn’t scare them in the least. He continually clarifies why he uses it and what diabetes entails, although he’s unsure about how much of this they truly comprehend. Still, he believes that with time, they will eventually understand.
For over a decade, the 45-year-old individual, who disclosed to People magazine in March that he had contracted diabetes due to COVID, has experienced symptoms associated with this condition when left unchecked.
At certain moments, Bass admitted feeling extremely parched. Often, he felt unusually tired. Now, with a better understanding of how diabetes affects him, he can easily identify when his blood sugar levels are rising or falling. (Yahoo! Life)
Currently, he sports a Dexcom Continuous Glucose Monitor affixed to his body. This device takes frequent readings of blood sugar levels and notifies a phone or receiver when there are significant changes. If the reading is dropping quickly, it suggests consuming more carbohydrates, and if it’s increasing, additional insulin might be required.
Concurrently, Bass and spouse Michael Turchin’s two-year-old twins, Alexander and Violet, have developed a fascination with their father’s diabetes care routines, often pretending to be doctors while playing at home.
“I’ll reveal my tiny, yet captivating blood glucose monitor to them, and it always amazes them,” I shared about my device. “Fear seems to evade their expressions whenever it comes into sight. I repeatedly elucidate why I use it and what diabetes entails, though I can’t say for sure how much of that they grasp. Yet, I am confident they will eventually comprehend its significance.”
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2024-08-02 00:00