March 11, 2020
My Story:
My journey with diabetes is a rollercoaster, like most. I typically manage it okay with an insulin pump, sensor, diet, and exercise. I don’t exercise for long periods of time because I always go low no matter what I do. Even hiking makes me go low every time. I love hiking. Whether it’s long, hilly, muddy, or rainy I love to hike a trail or off the path. My boyfriend, Chris, has gotten me a lot more adventurous with the outdoors and is a great supporter with my diabetes. When I hike, I always go low so I have to prepare with eating before and I have to bring a lot of snacks and supplies. Chris got me a fanny pack so I can carry my gels, glucose tablets, and juice boxes. He always brings a protein bar for each of us to tide me over for long term too. Hiking is just one of many things that I love to do and have to adjust my own life (and my boyfriend, friends, and family’s) because of type one diabetes.
My Health Details
Type of Diabetes:Type 1
Low blood sugar instances per week:6+ Instances
Daily number of times checking blood sugar:4-6 times/day
Managing Diabetes with:Insulin Pump
What age were you diagnosed with diabetes?0-5
How long does it typically take you to come up when you are low?Under 1 hour
How has Transcend helped treat your low blood sugars?
They are a delicious and fast way to get some quick sugar. Great for on the go, I use them when I go hiking and it works great.
Do you have a diabetic hero that you look up to? If so, who and why?
My dad is my diabetic hero. I was diagnosed with T1D when I was 5. A few months after I was diagnosed, my dad was diagnosed at 40. We “grew up” with our diabetes together. With my dad being the adult, I learned a lot from him doing the same things I was, just in a different phase of life. Now that I’m 25, it’s really amazing to see the people later in life dealing with getting a life changing illness, and diabetes is all I know.
What is your biggest challenge with diabetes?
Dieting when I have to! I love sugary things and I hate having to moderate them and then dealing with the insulin when I do eat them.
What have you learned from your experiences with diabetes?
Patience. Lots of patience. With doctors, questioning citizens, my insulin pump alarms, and everything involved. I’m not a patient person, but diabetes definitely tests my patience.