The month of November is diabetes awareness month. I am so excited to post lots of educational content about diabetes. I will try to post once or twice a week.
I always knew that I would get diabetes because my mom has type one, and my sister had it too. Growing up, my mom did not keep many sugary treats and snacks in the house. it was very hard to watch other students in school eat things I knew I couldn't. I even heard a few mean quotes such as "I won't share this with you. If you eat you will die.", and "What is wrong with you?" This is my experience before I was diagnosed.
I was diagnosed with type one diabetes January 2017. I do not have an exact date. Nothing really major happened to me. Some other people have horrific diagnosis stories. I started seeing an endocrinologist, a diabetes educator, a diabetes specialized therapist, a nutritionist, and many other doctors. The doctor told me that the first Major change I would have to make is that I have to give myself insulin shots before I eat anything. That was the worse year of my life. I was about to graduate high school and I kept going to the nurse or the bathroom to give myself insulin injections. Not to mention that I hate shots, needles, blood, and pain. There were some days where I refused to eat, because I did not want to give myself a shot. I had to carry an insulin pen with a needle, insulin vial, and alcohol swabs everywhere for a year.
I remember my mom chasing me around the house with a finger pricker, trying to take my glucose reading. (it does not hurt that much) The day I was diagnosed my glucose was over 400, which is really bad.
I also remember my first day of insulin injections and high school. I had breakfast and was supposed to give .8 units of insulin but my mom told me that the doctor's note said to give 8 units. I gave 8 units and I did not feel like there was anything wrong with my body until 7th period. I felt dizzy, sick, nauseous, tired and many other symptoms. Thankfully, my mom caught the mistake and called the health office for a note home. My last memory of taking insulin shots happened at Disney World. My family took a summer trip to DisneyWorld in 2017. I was so scared I would not be able to eat or carb count any foods. (carb counting post coming soon) On the last day, we ate at a pizza place in Disney Springs and there were no restrooms, so I gave myself the insulin shots in front of everyone else and almost cried like a baby.
Junior year of high school was the worst. I thought that I wouldn't be able to college, if I could not handle my diabetes. Luckily, I had several friends, family and medical professionals supporting me along the way. I did not feel like that loner kid who eats her lunch in the bathroom and gives insulin shots. I looked forward to seeing my friends at lunch. I overcame my fear of giving Insulin Injections.
I am now in my third year of college, and slowly but surely I am managing my diabetes. I have even made a few friends who can relate to my story. I am so grateful for all my supporters and medical professionals who have helped me along the way.
For now check out my section in my header called "What is T1D?"
Pic description: glucose meter, A1C reader, needle, tube of glucose strips, drops of blood.
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