It was the Summer of 1994,i just turned 14 and i was starting high school in September.I was always out with my friends at the park across the street from where i lived. One day in particular, i remember having to keep running home to get something to drink.I was really thirsty! I didn't really think anything of it.It was the summer and was very hot out.After a few days,i realized i was drinking and urinating WAY more than usual.I was even getting up in the middle of the night to drink and pee.My mom took me to the doctors and i saw the nurse practitioner. She said i have a bladder infection and to drink cranberry juice and sent me on my way.After about a week,things got much worse.My eye site was blurry,i couldn't eat,i lost a ton of weight,i had stomach pains and was dizzy all the time and i couldn't sleep.My mom took me to the Dr.'s right away.This time i saw THE doctor who took a urine sample(which i had no problem giving since i had to go all the time).He told me "you have diabetes and we need to admit you into the hospital right away".I was dumbfounded.i didn't even know what diabetes was! All i heard from the doc was "DI-abetes" and i thought..i was dying.My mom was holding back the tears and my best friend who was there was crying.Next thing I know ,I was sent to the hospital across the street and started on insulin.I was in the hospital for 2 weeks! I had to learn a WHOLE other way of living without a choice.It was a scary time for me.I had to learn how to give myself shots,learn to take my blood level and learn what i could and could not eat.By time i got out of the hospital,it was time to go face the real world.A world full of people that did not know what i was going through.I felt alone.i did not know anyone else with diabetes at the time.Then ,it was time to start high school. It was very scary and high anxiety times.
I was taking 6-8 shots a day.dealing with hypo and hyperglycemia,DKA twice and leg ulcers on one leg from this disease.All because i didn't take care of myself.I was 14 years old, i didn't understand and i was depressed.I didn't know the importance of taking care of myself or the effects diabetes has on your whole body.I also have other health issues as well so this wasn't going to be easy and it still isn't.I now have a wonderful support system including my husband Chris.You would think HE was diabetic with all he knows and has been through with me.I don't feel alone anymore. I have joined diabetes groups and talked to a few people who share the same disease and troubles as myself.A lot of people just never really spoke of diabetes before.
I have type 1 diabetes .Type 1 (autoimmune) diabetes is caused by autoantibodies that target the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. Without adequate insulin, blood sugar levels rise.I do not have a family history of diabetes and usually type 1's don't.I was taking 6-8 shots a day until i started the pump a few years ago.we are still tweaking things but i like the pump soooo much better! I do have to check my blood sugar 10-12 x a day, but that's okay.Also,being diabetic doesn't mean you Can't have sugar.you can,just in moderation.Most "sugar free" stuff is worst than a regular candy bar with the sugar alcohols and yucky artificial sweeteners. I also have an autoimmune disease called hoshimotos thyroiditis and i have a gluten sensitivity.I keep away from gluten and dairy and most processed foods with dyes and such.
Instead of trying to sometimes hide my disease,i want to embrace it.Its a part of me and I hope i can help others with the same struggles.
I LOVE yoga,photography,taking care of animals,music and my husband of course.
I just try and live everyday to the fullest.Health issues aside,I feel lucky and blessed and would not change my life for anything.
I just try and live everyday to the fullest.Health issues aside,I feel lucky and blessed and would not change my life for anything.