Molli's Personal Page

What is the first thing you think of when you wake up? Do you stretch, pour a cup of coffee and read the paper? Do you think of work that needs to be done, and drinks after work with the girls?

What does a person with Type 1 diabetes think about when they wake up?

My first thought in the morning is: What's my blood sugar? Followed by: Do I have enough insulin in my pump? Do I have enough test strips for the day? Is my Dexcom (continious glucose monitor) charged and reading accurately? Do I have enough glucose tabs in case of a low blood sugar? What can I eat for breakfast that won't cause a spike of blood sugar? How many carbohydrates is in the coffee creamer so I can make sure to dose for it? I then check my pump site to make sure the insulin is delivering and not turning into a vampire cannula, put extra infusion sets in my purse, put an extra bottle of insulin in too, make sure there are triple a batteries in there as well and then I get dressed and ready for work.

I should be exhausted even before starting the day, but having had Type 1 diabetes since I was three years old, I have no recollection of a life without it. For me these extra steps are normal. Not only are they normal, they are essential. My body produces absolutely no insulin so I must inject Humalog through my pump.

When I was diagnosed, the outlook was grim. I was given a life-span of about 30 years old so to reach the age of 35 is a blessing that I am thankful for every day. To have a child was highly discouraged so my 12-year-old son is my greatest achievement. I thank God every day I have no complications.

So I ask my friends, in real life and the virtual world, please help me find a cure for this disease. If not for me, do it for the other 3-year-old girl who is scared and sick, and wondering why Mommy keeps sticking her with a needle. Do it for the 12-year-old girl who want to go swimming without worrying about getting a low blood sugar and looking like a freak having to eat glucose tablets. Do it for the 21-year-old girl who wants to go out with the girls and not being able to figure out the alcohol/carbohydrate combination to dose insulin. Do it for the 30-year-old woman who wants to become pregnant but has been told she can't due to diabetes.

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