Exactly one month after my twentieth birthday, my life changed completely. I was sent to the hospital after days of feeling incredibly ill, and I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

I could not fathom it at all. I broke down in a damn Buffalo Wild Wings about it. Sometimes it's still hard to believe, a little over a month after my diagnosis. I'm so brand new to it all, still. I never thought I would be "that girl".

But I now realize that "that girl" is nobody to look down upon and feel sorry for. "That girl" is a goddamn warrior and a fighter. I'm not particularly fond of needles, but now I have to use several a day to keep me alive.

And yet, I'm still here, facing my fears, putting on a brave face each and every morning, and give myself my insulin shots and test my blood sugar.

I mean really, being a diabetic does have it's downsides, sure. But being diabetic is not the end of the world, and I know that now. It's one of the most manageable diseases out there, and it gets easier every day.

Not saying I don't have bad days, like dealing with my blood sugar being too low or too high, but even then, every day is a learning experience. I eat healthier, I make sure to stay active, I am drinking more water, not consuming so much sugar and carbs.

Overall, diabetes could be a little blessing in disguise, somehow. And diabetics do have junk food every now and then! Don't apologize for eating in front of us! Really, we don't care, and our food is just as delicious, trust me.

Don't feel sorry for me. Do not pity me. I am still living, I am still here, I am not wasting away. I'm still going about my life, just in a bit of a different way, now. Every day, I get told that I am a strong person, so don't make me feel any less strong than I am by telling me that "my life must suck now" because my pancreas decided not to work anymore.

Even though remembering to give myself insulin and to check my blood sugar can be exhausting, it has changed me into a better person. I am more open-minded and knowledgeable about this disease, and I hope that you do the same to educate yourself about how to love the diabetics in your life.