18 years with type 1 diabetes
Last month on the 29th of October was my 18th diaversary.I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a week after moving countries, from England to Australia. I was 9 years old and I'm so proud of what I have been able to overcome every year since.
The stats say having diabetes adds an extra 180 decisions more than usual into our day. That's without mentioning every day is different and the strain diabetes itself, puts on the body and mind.
Whether it's remembering all my supplies everyday, enough glucose tablets and food to keep me safe. Enough insulin in my pump and enough cannulas incase my site falls out. Is my prescription filled? Do I have a repeat? Do I have enough money to stretch to refill my supplies and book my appointments? Can I afford this sick day? Is my drivers licence medical clearance in date? No.. lets book in 3 extra appointments to get it filled out. What if the world goes into disaster and I don't have access to insulin? Wow I feel weird, is it my sugars? Is it me? I'm doing more activity than I anticipated and I've already eaten all of my food, do I have glucose tablets? Oh shit I think I gave myself too much insulin and I'm in the middle of an important conversation and my words are becoming muddled. Why is my brain so foggy now? What can I do to fix this? Why did my sugars suddenly spike, was it stress or something else? Can I tell anyone how shit I feel right now? Probably not because if I did every time then I'd be saying it daily, sometimes hourly. I'm so exhausted, can I have a break? Probably not. I'll just keep a brave face and continue on. Every. Single. Day.
Each year since my diagnosis has led me into a different stage of understanding and accepting this disease. I believe I was 17 when I finally took a breath and said okay, I accept you diabetes and I understand you're here to stay. Before that, I lived with uncontrolled sugars which impacted every area of my life including socially, academically, my family, my self esteem, my weight and now my body is forever changed because of the damage that was caused when I couldn't cope.
If I don't take care of myself, every inch of my body is impacted and ripples into my every day life. I work extremely hard to keep my sugars as regulated as possible now and I never drop the ball, it's not an option for me. Even with so much focus, diabetes still does whatever it wants day to day.
The same as any struggle, there has been blessings to having type 1 diabetes.
The maturity that comes with handling a complex disease and the awareness a lot of struggles can be invisible in and to others, gratitude for windows of wellness and being present when they come, I have heightened body awareness and strong drive to stay healthy, I've made life long friends and made peak experience memories with fellow diabetics and most of all.. I have grown an extremely strong connection to my own body. I love her so much and don't often consciously put her through harm. We are a team and I love my body. So a HUGE middle finger to diabetes for the suffering you cause us all and thank you for the blessings.
I salute every single diabetic in the world, this disease is complex, exhausting, confusing, isolating and just darn frustrating to say the least. I send you so much love and all the light in the world. You're amazing, we didn't chose this and we continue to stay strong.
My Dad has diabetes, and my Dad's Dad had diabetes and I hope when I have babies maybe I can imagine a cure. Any donation helps and thank you for reading some of my story :)
I'm walking in Redlands to turn type one into type none!
I'm joining the world's largest walk for a future without type 1 diabetes (T1D) at Les Moore Park on Sunday 2 March 2025!
Why? To help fund life-changing research aimed at improving lives and curing T1D.
Type 1 diabetes can strike anyone at any time, and 8 Australians are diagnosed every day. Diagnosis means a 24/7 fight with no break and facing an extra 180 decisions a day to remain safe and healthy.
Please support my walk today.
My Completed Missions in the JDRF Blue Army
Set Profile Picture
Donated to self
Shared Page
Reached Fundraising Target
Power Walker
Athlete
Elite Walker
Increased Fundraising Target Over $500
Thank you to my Sponsors
$131.88
Josh W
You a type 1 diahottie with a body xx
$105.50
Jay Ellul
$100
Ellie
Wow you're so strong. Love your work. ;)
$52.75
Gavin Daniell
$50
Bj Dw
You’re an Amazing person!
$26.38
Ally
Go girl!
