Well… yesterday was my “Diaversary.” Six years ago yesterday, I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 50. Lots of things have changed in ther last six years. My diagnosis was bounced back and forth between Type 2 and Type 1, is settled on Type 1, now. Whereas I originally refused to test my BG with fingersticks, I now test 3-10 times a day and wear a cgm. I gained a lot of weight once going on insulin, but following the “recommended diet;” I eat low carb now, and have been fighting to get my weight back where it was. I wear an insulin pump, having gone through three different pumps now.
In addition, I have a different and better job, have earned a Master’s degree. Three of my kids have recently graduated college and have jobs. My youngest just graduated high school.My mother, who managed to convince me to treat my BG, is gone now. My two older kids are now married. And I have my first grandchild on the way. Oh yeah, we got a cat.
Life is definitely different since being diagnosed. I do see doctors FAR more often (as opposed to “almost never” before diagnosis). I manage to use all sorts of needles, despite my fear. I take “medications” other than aspirin and ibuprofen. My food is different and I think about nutrition a lot more. But, truly, the big changes in my life were clearly NOT diabetes-related. Life has been moving along and presenting big, important changes along the way. Happiness and sorrow. Diabetes may seem like a central theme to me, but in the big picture, it’s just a small spot on the tapestry of life.
I suppose this perspective makes it appropriate that my diaversary is also my birthday.
[Originally posted on BT1]