October 22, 2019
My Story:
I was familiar with Type 1 Diabetes long before I was ever diagnosed. Frederick Banting is a relative of mine, so our family was pretty well versed in his accomplishments but not necessarily in T1D. I was diagnosed just before I turned 18 years of age, and it kind of shocked my world. I didn’t have a lot of community support because my age made me too old to go to camp with kids and found me too young to connect with all of the Type 2’s I was often in class with. For nearly 18 years I silently struggled with my diabetes alone, and didn’t (knowingly) meet another Type 1 in the flesh until I met my first Diabuddy in 2017. Since then, I have fully immersed myself in the community. It was a real turning point for me. I have attended adult diabetes camp twice now, and my circle of Diabuddies grows every day. I also struggle with several anxiety disorders: PDD (Persistent Depressive Disorder, formerly referred to as Dysthymia) and Body Dysmorphia. I have realized that there are many people with T1D who suffer like I do, so I decided to be more vocal about it and now advocate for mental health and diabetes. For many years, I was also a “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” kind of gal and administered my insulin with multiple daily injections. Last year, during Diabetes Awareness Month, I went on my first-ever insulin pump. Then this year, a continuous glucose monitor (both pictured in my picture). I really don’t think that either of those moments would have happened, nor been as successful, without the amazing Type 1 community. Diabetes has never held me back, it has always pushed me forward and helped me tackle my anxiety. It has encouraged me to make friends and be a voice within my community. I have never made an attempt to conquer my diabetes. I embrace it as a part of who I am, and I am grateful for all the gifts it has given me, like strength, resiliency and friendship.
My Health Details
Type of Diabetes:Type 1
Low blood sugar instances per week:1-3 Instances
Daily number of times checking blood sugar:1-3 times/day
Managing Diabetes with:Insulin Pump
You can find Rebecca on Instagram at @rebaredmond