DIABETES: LISTEN to your body
In 2010 I was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes. I was 19 years old, much older than most. A few weeks leading up to my diagnosis I was very ill: drinking so much water as if I hadn't had a sip of water in years, eating 4-5 meals a day, not to mention peeing around 10 times an hour! I lost 15 pounds in one week and knew I was feeling off. I told my parents something was wrong and they refused to believe me. But a few days after, I went against their suggestion and went to my college clinic which I thought would take just a few minutes. Turns out my blood sugar was at such a high number they had to hold my body incase I slipped into a coma as I walked to the emergency room.
From that day my life has completely changed. I used to be so scared of needles and felt faint at just the site of them. Ultimately I had to force myself to get used to pricking my finger 5 times a day, and having a machine attached to my body to give me insulin 24/7. Every time I eat now I have to estimate my carbohydrates and take the correct amount of insulin through a shot. I also now wear a monitor on my arm that tells what my blood sugar is every 5 minutes incase it gets too high or too low.
While all of this seems very difficult, I've actually become very used to it. In fact, I feel that I have more control over my body than most others do. Having a routine and taking time to take care of myself and watch out for myself builds my self confidence and I believe makes me a better person for myself and especially for others. I have gained a great amount of empathy for others who suffer from all different types of problems similar or different than mine.
Each and every one of us has SOMETHING we have to deal with. Whether it's an illness, or a life problem. I think we all need to do our best to listen to one another, support each other and to constantly educate ourselves on how we can help others if we are needed.
If at any time you feel something is off and wont go away, even if people try to tell you otherwise, LISTEN to your body. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Listening to your body is a sign of maturity!
By,
M.S.