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.