An art installation at Singapore General Hospital puts the spotlight on the struggles of people living with type 1 diabetes.

From the pain of insulin injections to the fear of hyperglycaemia (overly high blood sugar levels) or hypoglycaemia (overly low levels), worry over their baby’s safety during pregnancy, and misunderstanding and judgement of others that they could have prevented their condition — these are some of the feelings that people living with type 1 diabetes or T1D struggle with everyday.

Unlike the more common type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with obesity and lifestyle, T1D is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the cells in the insulin-making pancreas. It isn’t known why this happens. For people with the disease, it means their bodies can’t produce the hormone at all. They have to inject themselves with insulin everyday, and they have to be careful with what they eat and how they exercise.

No Sugarcoating – the Type 1 Diabetes Journey is an art installation at the ArtsExpression Wall at Singapore General Hospital Block 2 Level 1. On 2 November 2019, more than 50 T1D individuals and their carers participated in a workshop to produce pieces of art that reflect their experiences living with the disease, their fears and struggles, and their hopes. The exhibition is on till end of February 2020.