I am just writing this post to share a general update on my life and my diabetes as I was diagnosed just over 10 years ago! You can see my very first post on here which I had written shortly after my diagnosis back in January 2013.
Although I got the hang of it all very quickly, it hasn’t been an easy ride. Along the way, I’ve experienced two burnouts (the most recent being just over a year ago) but I am now in a much better place again and my levels are back on track! CGMs have been miraculous, along with the invention of actual rapid insulin such as Fiasp and Lyumjev.
Overall, I am eating healthier, sleeping better and my blood sugar control is back where it should be. This is coming from someone who went 2 years without testing their sugars more than once a day (sometimes I wouldn’t test at all). I would also skip my injections until I was literally falling asleep from high blood sugars. I felt like a lost cause with my diabetes and was so ashamed of myself. My HBA1C went from the 5’s to the 10’s and I felt like I was stuck in a hole.
I love life and I want to grow old and see more inventions and advancements in diabetic technology. I don’t want to die young, due to my negligence. That was my wake-up call. No one is coming to save us. We are responsible for our own health. Yes, diabetes is ■■■■ and can be a real pain in the ■■■. None of us asked for this but we can make a choice to live a better life whilst doing our best to manage our condition.
I know it might seem random that I’ve suddenly posted on here after having not been active for 5 years but I was just thinking about life. I remembered Jrtpup, a very popular member on here who sadly passed away due to cancer a couple of years ago. A lot of you will remember her. She helped me so much when I was newly diagnosed and absolutely terrified. I will never forget her warmth and endless support.
So here’s to 10+ more years with diabetes. Let’s see what advancements are in store for us.
Please feel free to share your own life updates in this thread. I’d love to see how you guys are all doing!
You’ve underlined the most valuable reason for this community! Your story reminds me that kindness is the thing we remember. Good to read, even after all these years, that @jrtpup is remembered with fondness.
Glad to hear that you are back on track, and congratulations on handling the first decade of diabetes. The fact is that having to watch what we eat, what exercise we get, and what being self-aware physically, mentally, and emotionally can do for us makes us all better, stronger people. I now am into my 6th decade with T1D, and while technology has changed, the most important thing remains: be kind to others, help when you can, and give yourself a break. No one controls your life or your health but you. How glad I am that you finally learned to leave guilt and shame behind and to embrace the wonderful person you are and can continue to be! Hugs to you for the next 10 healthy, feeling-good years.
Amen to that! In a previous post, I mentioned how I have never allowed myself to not do (insert any adventures here) because I have diabetes. That said, I have to spend A LOT more time planning ahead than anyone else when I go on any trip. I am actually writing you from Anguilla out on our veranda looking at the ocean. When I went snorkeling yesterday, I had some Gu before I went out and had some in my suit “just in case,” which I never used. I got to see fan coral, green brain coral, bright blue trigger fish, file fish and others - no turtles yesterday, but hoping to see one today! Last night my cannula came out because I spent too much time in the water. I brought an excessive number of insertion sets for this very reason. When I spent 2 months traveling with my husband on sabbatical, I had a checked bag and my carry-on was my diabetes bag. I had to work out with insurance to get all the Rxs I needed for the trip ahead of time and all the backup-Plan B, long-acting insulin - in addition to the Fiasp and Novolog that I normally have with me - just in case my TSlim failed (it didn’t). I apologize for rambling, but I guess I am more introspective this morning because my stepdad just passed away suddenly and I am cutting this trip short to attend his funeral. - We get one go on this planet and I don’t want to miss anything that I have the opportunity to see and do just because I have T1D. I am proud that you decided to live with your diabetes instead of fighting it. This forum is a wonderful place to stop by - I am here weekly. In fact, this is where I first learned about the Frio packs that are currently keeping my insulin cold. There are people here who help me live better with T1D.
Your post hit home for me . . I’m now 30+ years requiring injections of insulin to live and testing of blood glucose to guide the injections.
I don’t know a single other person who had T1DM and it feels lonely sometimes but the community here has made that less so.
Planning for trips: it’s absolutely crazy how much there is that you need to do in order to travel. I was five weeks in Europe last fall and had a whole carry on bag just for diabetes stuff: pump supplies, dexcom inserters, insulin (obviously) and backup plan stuff.
I don’t like to complain or feel sorry for myself: I’d rather just get on with things. My troubles pale in comparison with the struggles others are facing in their lives: whether health or mental illness, financial, relationships, work stress; I’m so very fortunate in every one of these and I feel like what do I have to really complain about?
I feel fortunate or blessed. And this forum among other supports for me, provides some essential function.
Life with diabetes is complicated in its own way and it is helpful to see and read about the experiences of others who face similar challenges. Well you should know that you aren’t alone. Perhaps that helps. It does help me.
I’m glad to see these posts about resilience and support from the online diabetes community. It really does help.
I’ve been hesitant to travel lately, but the man I’m dating has been suggesting it. I’ve explained to him why a few days out of state isn’t as simple for me as someone who doesn’t have T1. I love my Medtronic 780, but the backup supplies are crazy when traveling. I’ve decided to do it though and we are planning 2 trips for June.
Absolutely! She will always be in our hearts. There were times where I would remember this website and she was always the first person to spring to mind.
Thank you for SherryAnn for such a lovely message. It was definitely tough having to mature and realise that diabetes wouldn’t stop just because I am an adult with a full-time job and adult priorities. You’re absolutely right and having to monitor our food, exercise and overall wellbeing certainly does make us stronger people both emotionally and physically. A huge congrats on heading into your 6th decade with T1D! I’m really pleased and happy to see you’re doing so well! Really appreciate your kind words. Here’s to another 10 healthy years for us both!
@LWithrow Thank you for sharing that, we most certainly do have to plan ahead a lot more than most people. I do think it has made me slightly more organised though (I am chaotic and un-organised in general). I am happy to know you’ve been having an amazing time travelling! I was hoping you were able to see some turtles. I am extremely sorry to hear about your stepdad passing away. That is heartbreaking news. Big hugs to you and your loved ones. We do only get one shot at this and the older I get, the more this sticks with me. We can’t let diabetes stop us from living our best lives. I am glad you’ve learned so much from the people on this forum. It really is a great place full of even greater people!
@MBW I am similar to you and loathe self-pity or complaining about my life when I am aware that there are people who may be worse off. What I have realised is that we have to be kind to ourselves. It’s okay to feel upset and fed up when having a bad day. This disease can be a real ■■■■■ at times and it’s okay to have a down day. The main thing is that we pick ourselves back up and fight another day!
Please don’t ever feel alone. It may seem like you when you’re the only friend/family member with T1D but just know that there are thousands who understand exactly how it feels. I am booking a holiday abroad soon so I’ve been stacking up on my supplies too! I hope you enjoyed your time in Europe!
Thank you for your comment. I definitely don’t feel alone, especially when I’m on this forum and reminded that there are people who are going through exactly the same things as us! I’m glad it helps you too.
No turtles yet, but a beautiful spotted sting ray floated right below me. Ocean creatures always remind me that there is so much below the surface; an other-worldly beauty that is humbling.
Your story is inspiring. I am 30+ years and am often thankful for this forum. Life without diabetes has its ups and downs, but T1D sometimes seems to add a lot more. I usually come here to rant, so it’s nice to have a positive post to read.
Hello. Thank you for sharing your progress over the years. I became LADA in 2008 after being “pre-diabetic” for years but then crossing over when my workplace had a shooting that left 6 people dead. Extremely high levels of stress on university campus; I caught a flu and by May my pancreas had shut down completely. I found this forum yesterday after I freaked out from making yet another mistake as I am learning how to change out cartridge etc for pump. Thank you all for your shares. I feel normal seeing I’m not alone. At once grateful for the resources and yet in moments still kind of scared.
Last night my cannula came out because I spent too much time in the water. I brought an excessive number of insertion sets for this very reason. When I spent 2 months traveling with my husband on sabbatical, I had a checked bag and my carry-on was my diabetes bag. I had to work out with insurance to get all the Rxs I needed for the trip ahead of time and all the backup-Plan B, long-acting insulin - in addition to the Fiasp and Novolog that I normally have with me - just in case my TSlim failed (it didn’t). I apologize for rambling, but I guess I am more introspective this morning because my stepdad just passed away suddenly and I am cutting this trip short to attend his funeral. - We get one go on this planet and I don’t want to miss anything that I have the opportunity to see and do just because I have T1D. I am proud that you decided to live with your diabetes instead of fighting it. This forum is a wonderful place to stop by - I am here weekly. In fact, this is where I first learned about the Frio packs that are currently keeping my insulin cold. There are people here who help me live better with T1D. 
Here’s to another 10 healthy years for us both!
