As I’ve gotten older, there have been many advancements in the management of type 1 diabetes. However, I’ve also noticed a correlation between technological advancements and how much stuff I have to carry around with me. When I was first diagnosed, I had an insulin vile, syringe and my glucose meter. Simple enough. A year later, I switched from injections to an insulin pump, a device that literally is always by your side. Next came the continuous glucose monitor, a monitor that takes a reading every few minutes and graphs trends in blood glucose over time. Since it uses a wireless signal, it can’t be more than a few feet away, meaning it’s another device to carry around. And let’s not forget about always having something on you to treat a low blood sugar. For me, these are packets of fruit snacks. Luckily being a woman, I can shove most of it in a purse, but it does get to be cumbersome. And that’s just for my diabetes. Throw in my wallet, keys, and cellphone and I’ve already got a pretty packed purse.  I sincerely hope that these medical device companies follow in the footsteps of companies like Apple, and continue to make their products slimmer, lighter, and smaller. Or better yet, make one device that does it all! My shoulder and back would be very grateful.

All these things to carry means there’s more to forget. While most kids growing up just had to worry about not forgetting their lunch or their homework, I had to make sure that I did not go anywhere without my fruit snacks and meter. Seems trivial, but if you get low blood sugar and don’t have a way to treat it, things can get dangerous very quickly. This definitely taught me to be responsible at a young age. And I must admit, I did use that increased responsibility to my advantage. For instance, I was one of the first of my friends to get a cell phone back when it was unusual for a 13 or 14 year old to have one. Thanks mom and dad! 😉

Pockets are another big thing. When I first got my insulin pump, a year after being diagnosed, I was still self-conscious and did not want it to show. I kept the pump in my pocket and the cord tucked away. When it was clipped to my pants, I was constantly asked if it was a pager, to which my initial response was always, “I’m 14, why would I need a pager??” Eventually though, I saw this question as an opportunity to teach people about diabetes and what an insulin pump does. I discovered that most people were just curious and were interested in hearing about it. Today I’m not concerned if my pump shows or not, although I still prefer pockets.

I’ve also learned to not be self-conscious about all the different things attached to my stomach, especially at the beach or pool. Between my infusion set and wireless sensor, things can start to feel a little crowded, in addition to being a bit unusual looking. Rather than feeling uncomfortable, I’ve learned to view it as a conversation starter. Granted not many random people ever stop me to ask what they are, but if they did, I’d be ready!

I’m 24 years old and have had type 1 diabetes for 12 years. That’s half of my life. A lot has happened in those 12 years. I finished school and went to college at the University of Michigan, earning both a B.A. and a Masters Degree in public health. I spent a semester studying abroad in England, I’ve traveled the world, I’ve even gone bungy jumping and skydiving. There has not been a single day in those 12 years where I have not thought about my diabetes. Has it stopped me from doing what I wanted to do? Never. Rather, it has given me direction and purpose in my life. Has it impacted how I live my life? Everyday.

Diabetes has become part of who I am. While it doesn’t define me, its part of my identity. I’ve come a long way in my self management in the past 12 years. From being dependent on my parents for my insulin shots when I was 12 years old, to using an insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, I embrace the advancements technology has brought and the independence it has given me. However, I have a long way to go. My A1c is not where I want it to be. Today I went to my endocrinologist and was told that it is at 8.0. Every appointment I see it get slightly closer to my goal of 7.0 (and eventually even lower), but I have yet to achieve it. I’m hoping that this blog will do 3 things:

1. I hope that it will make me more accountable for my health and will bring me that much closer to gaining the control that I want over my diabetes.
2. I hope that others will read my experiences and learn something, relate to what I am going through, and maybe even feel inspired to make some changes of their own.
3. I hope to learn from others who share their stories and experiences with me.

I’m not a doctor and nothing I say should be taken as medical advice, rather this blog is meant to share my experiences, my successes and mistakes. Do I make mistakes? Of course. I forget to bolus after a meal, I miscalculate carbohydrates, I forget to check my blood sugar, the list goes on and on. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to be better. So I invite you to join on my journey. A journey to better health, happiness and fulfillment.