Transcend Warriors – Joseph Frietze

I don’t think everyone can necessarily pinpoint one story. But around when I was first diagnosed, I wasn’t able to feel my low bgl’s. So I can walk around and my blood sugar can be at 40 and I wouldn’t feel a thing.

With time, I was able to start recognizing signs and was able to start feeling a little different when I go low. But I wasn’t able to feel my lows for about a year or two.

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
Age were you diagnosed with diabetes:11-15
How long does it take you to come up when you are low:Under 1 hour
What is your biggest challenge with diabetes?

Lack of self confidence. I always feel like all eyes are on me because of my diabetes. That no matter what I do, I’m not going to be able to appear like a normal person. A person without a chronic illness. No matter what, I feel like I’m always hoping to be judged because of that. And I’m scared that a lot of the judgment is going to be negative.

What have you learned from your experiences with diabetes?

Every day is a new adventure. You’re not going to have the same blood sugar readings every single day. You’re not going to eat the same foods every single day. You just gotta expect the unexpected because it can happen in a matter of seconds.

If you had one piece of advice for someone with diabetes, what would it be?

Nobody’s perfect. I know we all wish we can have perfect blood sugars, have a good diet, not have to stab ourselves with needles. But the fact that we are able to do it every day and still be able to come out with a smile, we’re strong. You are not your disease,

Who has helped you the most manage your diabetes? What has helped you the most manage your diabetes?

My family. Without the support if my family and my friends, handling diabetes would be impossible. And honestly, the more I’m able to help teach people, no matter what it is about diabetes, the better I feel about myself.




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