Margaret Sullivan

It is so promising to see the advancements in Type 1 DM research. There is nothing easy about managing this disease. I was diagnosed at 24 years and at the time I was told “there will be a cure in your lifetime” so take care of yourself so you can benefit.

Well I am 66 now and still no cure but we do have so many more tools for treatment! I have worked very hard to take care of myself and it has required constant attention.

I worked in Family Practice/and Internal Medicine practice as their Diabetes Education Specialist before retirement. I was excited to attend a program related to early screening for DM1 and the use of Teplizumab as a potential treatment for delaying onset.

I thought the information was something that should have been shared with the other physician’s and also was a great topic to share with the residents in the program. Their patient’s could have benefited. I was not able to get any agreement to share the information. There was no interest, surprisingly.

The screening is so exciting yet I am not sure I would have wanted to know I was likely to get DM1 before getting it. Being told I had it was the worst news I have ever received. Other’s may want to know and it is awesome that Teplizumab could possible delay onset, however it can not prevent at this time. Hopefully it won’t be long!