Three years ago today I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. In that time, I have:
- Learned that carbohydrates are a sugar - seriously did not know this before - there's a whole lot of sugars out there
- gotten a pump (YAY)
- gone to more doctor's appointments than probably the 23 years previous combined (maybe)
- memorized the spiel given by TSA agents given prior to the patdown
- Been swabbed for explosives many times, by said TSA agents
- Used the expressions "I"m going to go shoot up" and "I'm super high" without risk of prison time :) (although with some weird looks)
- found out I have incredibly awesome and caring friends
- learned that doctors are an incredible resource, and that if one isn't doing what you need, to ask questions, come prepared, or find a new doctor.
- had my pump confused for a pager, a cell phone and probably many other things that people didn't even tell me about
- learned the importance of health insurance, and been so, so thankful that I have it
- moved to a new country
- grown way more comfortable with needles
- participated in a 3-year diabetes study
- done a whole host of other things entirely unrelated to being diabetic!!
I remember the period of time when I was diabetic but undiagnosed, the day of my diagnosis, and the subsequent weeks of initial treatment so clearly. Even having seen my dad live with diabetes, I was so upset, frustrated and anxious about being diabetic. While it does suck some times, mostly it's just an annoyance.
World Diabetes Day is coming up soon (November 14th (aka Claire's Birthday!)) and this year I'm participating in a WDD postcard exchange, which could be kind of cool! I have just discovered this whole online community of diabetics and some of it is medically helpful, some funny, and some just helpful to know that there are other people out there dealing with some of the same issues.
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