David Kalter, 22, of Washington, DC  has had T1D since 9 years old. Aside from interning in the Breakthrough T1D Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Chapter DC office, David is also an avid cook. We talked with him about the intersections of food and T1D.

Q: People often seem to either love or hate cooking. What is it that you like about it?

A: I initially started cooking because I liked the idea that I could control my nutrition even more if I prepared my own food. And I just fell in love with it. It relaxes me in a way nothing else can. It’s the one time when I can dictate every outcome with my actions. I’m also an incredibly picky eater and I wanted to make food that was healthy, but also tasted good.

Q: So what does your diet look like? What considerations do you have to take with having T1D? 

A: So long as I focus less on desserts and sugary food, I feel like it’s very manageable. I don’t really see T1D as too much of a limitation for me personally. Maybe that’s not the best way to be towards the disease, but I’ve always told myself that I want to live my life. I love to travel and experience new things. A big part of culture and truly immersing yourself relates to food. I’m going to experience the food that I want and T1D can’t stop me.

Q: Your mom works in a field related to finding a cure for T1D. How do you feel about that?

A: So originally my mom worked at a law firm, but she wanted to move on to work she felt was more meaningful. She is now the Vice President & Chief Regulatory Counsel at Medtronic. It’s nice to know that she cares that much. I know she loves me and it’s a nice feeling that she goes into work every day dedicating herself to better my life.

Q: What do you think is the biggest misconception of T1D as it relates to food? 

A: So often I have friends or parents of friends ask me, “Is this food ok for you to eat?” I know they have good intentions, but it can be frustrating at times. I tell them that I can eat whatever I want, I just have to be considerate of quantity and how I manage it. What I eat doesn’t have to be limited unless I say so.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is newly diagnosed?

A: I would say always try your best and don’t be too anxious about having T1D. Yes, it’s a serious chronic disease, but, as long as you work at it, it’s manageable. It’s much better to live your life being comfortable and happy with yourself than the alternative.