We’re stronger together

I was diagnosed with Type One May of 2017 just a few months before my second child was born. In the months leading up to my diagnosis, my body seemed to be shutting down. I was rapidly losing weight, had an unquenchable thirst, couldn’t eat without pain and short of breath. I checked myself into the ER and after hours of tests, they told me I had Type One Diabetes. I was shocked, I didn’t even know what a diabetic really was. I spent two days in the ICU and another recovery day on the floor. The nurses explained for the rest of my life I’d have to take insulin injections every time I ate. Would have to prick my finger to test my blood sugars 8-10 times a day. That if I didn’t have stable blood sugars I’d go blind, lose or limb, or suffer organ failure.

When you have T1D, your body stops producing insulin—a hormone essential to turning food into energy. Managing the disease is a constant struggle that involves monitoring your blood-sugar level, administering insulin, and carefully balancing these insulin doses with your eating and activity. Even with a strict regimen, people with T1D may still experience dangerously high or low blood-glucose levels that can, in extreme cases, be life threatening.

Type One Diabetes strikes all different demographics of people, but primarily it’s children. The JDRF has been a key contributor in the development of several breakthroughs in the field, which help us live a more comfortable life. Please consider donating if able.