I've got.. "The Beets". That's the nickname I've given my diabetes. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes at the ripe age of 22 months old, aka 1 and 3/4 years old. My parents noticed something was off. I was excessively thirsty. My mom says she remembers me sticking my head under the running bathtub facet, chugging the water as if I was stranded in the Sahara. I wasn't my peppy self.
They called my pediatrician who, after hearing my symptoms, chalked it up as to just being a little virus. Days passed. My parents were keeping me hydrated and comfortable, but nothing was changing. It seemed as though I was getting worse. My rents decided to take matters into their own hands and bring me to the emergency room and, as luck would have it, I had Juvenile Diabetes. Ugh.
Juvenile Diabetes, otherwise known as Type 1 Diabetes, is when your pancreas does not produce the hormone of insulin. Insulin is a KEY component to turning the sugar you eat into energy. Without insulin, you are at risk for having too much sugar in your blood or not enough- in both cases one has the threat of going into diabetic shock or a coma. In order to combat this, diabetics must take insulin injects and test their blood sugar to make sure everything is gucci. From when I was first diagnosed up until the age of 10 I was on 5-6 injections of insulin a day. But now, I wear an insulin pump which basically acts as a electronic pancreas that I control. Pretty cool, huh?
Although this illness is very serious and can sometimes be a downer, I REFUSE to be all "woe is me". I love to make light of the situation and crack as many diabetic jokes my pancreas allows me. Here, I've put together some daily diabetic struggles and funny things that I've experienced.
When your doctor hits you with the, "You could be doing better."
When your blood sugar feels low but test yourself and are 300+.
When you realize there is a useless organ taking up room in your body.
When someone gets Type 1 Diabetes confused with Type 2.
When your pump runs out of insulin right before you go out.
When you prick your finger in such a way that when you squeeze it, blood comes shooting out and hits you in the face.
When you can't decide if you're low or just tired.
When you are constantly asked, "Are you allowed to eat that?"
When you get pulled aside at the airport because your pump sets off the metal detectors.
When people ask if injecting yourself hurts.
When you accidentally forget to take your pump off then jump in the pool.
When you forget your test kit at home and remember you don't have it until you're halfway to your destination.
When you realize your diabetes is gonna be around forever so you might as well have a good time.
All jokes aside, having Type 1 Diabetes has transformed me into the person I am today. It is a huge part of my life and I am fortunate to have the best support system around. But, I hope this made you laugh and really show you that diabetes can be pretty darn funny. DIABETES FOR LIFE.. literally.
