It has been thirty years since I was diagnosed as a Type 1 Diabetic. I was diagnosed when I was seven years old and my whole world turned upside down. My parents noticed that I was constantly thirsty, very irritable, and had started wetting the bed from all of the liquid I was consuming. They took me to my primary care doctor and they did blood work and my sugar level were in the 900s. A “normal” blood sugar level is between 70-120 so it was clearly very elevated.
I was admitted to a large hospital a couple hours away where I was taught how to administer injections and blood sugar test multiple times a day. This would be my daily life for the rest of my life. For a seven year old it was very much to take in Andy even for my parents as well. After a few days I was allowed to go home and endure this disease on my own. I was very lucky to only have had one major hospitalization over my childhood due to my diabetes. Controlling my blood sugars was key and some days were easier than others.
Fast forward to three and a half years ago when I finally gave up control and got an insulin pump. This device has changed my life. It is in control of my life and at first that was very scary, but now I don’t know what I would do without it. I have never been in better health and for that I am forever grateful. I am blessed everyday to have an amazing team that stands beside me during those hard days ❤️
If you are reading this and have any questions or just need someone to chat with about being Diabetic, please feel free to reach out.