Brianna's Personal Page

Hello Friends and Family!

I am walking the JDRF Walk to Cure again this February at the Mall of America. The last year has been amazing and so encouraging working with the YLC Committee here in Minneapolis, and I can't believe the Walk to Cure is almost here. Last year was my first year and I exceeded my goal of $1,000 because of the kind hearts that all of you have. I'm so thankful. I still get warm fuzzies thinking about it. This year, I've raised my goal just a bit for the walk and I am ready to get there!

Most of you have a general idea of what Type 1 Diabetes is, but do you know what it's like to be a diabetic? This year, I want to give you an example of what a day in the life of having Type 1 Diabetes is like, this auto-immune disease I have that also affects millions of others. So here we go...

7:00am - Had an overnight "low" which made me get up at 2am and drink a bit of orange juice, feeling extra sleepy and frustrated. Tested my blood sugar with a finger prink and blood draw to a meter. I had a good read: 121 [Normal blood sugars should range from 85-130]

7:30am - 1 of 2 insulin shots for the morning. One for breakfast, one for an insulin that lasts all day

10:00am - Feeling good and awake finally. Had a morning snack that's low carb. String cheese, small apple. Tested blood sugar: 189 [Often times your blood sugar will rise in the morning naturally]. Gave myself insulin shot for snack and to "cover" my higher blood sugar reading. [With diabetes, simple math is the name of the game]

12:00pm - Time for lunch, tested blood sugar: 130. Lunch is a hearty salad and apple, bag of chips. Insulin shot accordingly

3:00pm - Tested blood sugar: 209. I didn't count my carbs right at lunch, because of this I'm feeling drowsy but hungry for an afternoon snack - popcorn. Can't overeat though! Insulin shot to "cover" my high read, and serving of popcorn accordingly

5:30pm - Headed to the gym - tested blood sugar: 150. Banana for my workout. 

6:30pm - Went a little low on the drive home from the gym. Felt really weak. Tested blood sugar: 63. Small glass of juice to hold me over. Dinner at 7:15pm. Carb counted my dinner, gave half of a regular dose because I worked out, and gave an insulin shot.

10pm - small late night snack. Tested blood sugar one more time: 149. Gave bedtime long-lasting insulin shot to hold my sugars (hopefully) steady through the night. Bedtime.

A day in the life consists of constant monitoring, worrying about how certain foods will mess with blood sugar levels, which in turn affects your mood, your physical energy, and your mental and physical well-being. Some days I'll give 5-6 shots, or check my blood sugar up to 6 times a day.

Some days are (sort of) a breeze, but some days you want to stay at home in frustration. Sometimes you want to exercise and you can't because your blood sugar levels aren't right. Sometimes you can't have that treat everyone else is having, or sit through a presentation without going low and having to leave. Sometimes you have to curl up on the couch to get through a nasty low that makes you feel shaky and sweaty. Sometimes you are not the nicest person in the world because your blood sugar is too high and making you short-tempered (Thank you Eric for understanding!). Big picture: It is not easy.

So, I would be thrilled if you would donate to my personal (and YLC team!) fundraising efforts. By doing so, you can help me make a difference for millions of people living with type 1 diabetes. From the bottom of my heart thank you for your support!

Also, anyone can join our team and help to increase our efforts. Attending the walk isn't necessary either - but it'll be fun!

Love, B

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