Transcend Warrior – Shannon Thornton
April 27, 2020
My Story:
This story was right at the very start of my diabetic journey~ I was in high school, practicing for our track team’s very first competition, MY very first competition. The excitement and anxiety of the whole ordeal was out of this world while days away from the race. Little did I know in those few, short days that I would drop down to 94 pounds, be diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and be told by doctors that it was physically unsafe for me to participate in the race. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow. What a huge slap in the face. Can I return this? I don’t think I want it.” I was growing very aggravated watching others complete their races, long jumps, hurdles, etc., however in the midst of my aggravation, I felt a little glimmer grow bigger inside me. I thought to myself that, even though this was SUPPOSED to be my very first race, and I was so convinced I would bring home the trophy and win big that day, the love for myself was much stronger than those feelings. It sunk in that I was just as strong as the others, but even more so- to be diagnosed with this disease and then get right back up on my feet, keeping my positive attitude. You see, no one ever (and I mean never ever) asks for this disease, or any disease, but the way they RESPOND to the things out of their control is where others gain their strength. Being a positive influence for the millions of people with diabetes is much more rewarding than any trophy could ever be.
My Health Details
Type of Diabetes:Type 1
Low blood sugar instances per week:6+ Instances
Daily number of times checking blood sugar:7+ times/day
Managing Diabetes with:Insulin Shots
What age were you diagnosed with diabetes?11-15
How long does it typically take you to come up when you are low?Under 1 hour
What is your biggest challenge with diabetes?
I think my biggest challenge with diabetes is realizing everyday that you are different. You wake up and the first thing that pops in your mind is, “Am I high or low? How am I going to correct for this or that?” Being out in public with a Dexcom sensor on your leg or arm makes people look at you different. When you give yourself a shot of insulin in public and people wonder why you carry needles around everywhere, that’s a huge difference. Every day can be a challenge if you let it.
What have you learned from your experiences with diabetes?
The thing I have learned the most is to love yourself and love the situation God has chosen you for. There is a reason why I have to live with this disease- whether it’s to encourage other people, show the world that invisible illnesses are still very real, or to help find a cure. The love I have gained for myself throughout my diabetic journey is immense. When you have a disease you didn’t ask for, yet still conquer living life in modern society, you gain strength and insight other people may not achieve.