In 2015, my dad was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and that's the year that changed EVERYTHING for my family. That meant buying healthier food options, so many doctors appointments, and countless empty water bottles laying around the house.
Even though this changed for my dad, it also changed for me. I've learned so much while trying to take care of my dad while only being 15. This is how we became closer, by driving long distances for doctors appointments and sitting in on those. Diabetes is only a bump in the road for those who have it, but I wouldn't change how things have ended up. Since I've been dealing with my dad who has had it for 2 years, I've learned how to help him control it and take care of himself.
Here's to the countless stares we get when the Omnipod won't stop beeping its head off!
1. Low-carb foods are EVERYTHING.
If you're not talking a "low carb diet," then I don't wanna talk. Low carb foods are life and there is no way you are changing that for them. But I mean I'm not complaining about all the spaghetti squash I get to eat.
2. Looking at the nutrition facts a lot closer.
"20g of total carbs per 1 serving, no way I can't have this," says the man that tries to "watch his weight" So I guess I'm going try and forcefully watch what I eat now. I mean I'm not complaining now.
3. ONLY healthy foods in the house.
Yes, and that means LITERALLY no junk food anywhere visible. I can't catch a break, all I want is some Doritos and Nutter Butters. I don't ask for much. Instead, I have to resort to generic
4. Too many doctors appointments.
I swear there are doctors appointments every day or every month. There are doctors appointments for his diet, his pancreas, and even half of his body weight that he managed to lose in 3 months. Doctors appointments for dayzzz.
5. NO BREAD.
BREAD is bad. Bread is not life, nor will it ever be again. You know it's bad when you have to skip out of Jimmy Johns bread to get a lettuce wrap. Now, how sad is that? That's the best part, dad.
6. Finding those small needles and strips everywhere.
I swear I tell myself if I find one more random needle or strip in my car, I'm going to lose my marbles. All I ask is that he keeps track of his stuff.
7. Lots of bathroom stops.
Long road trips are a pain in the booty if you know what I mean. We literally stop every 40 minutes so SOMEONE can use the john.
8. Giving themselves insulin every time they eat or do anything.
Like mentioned before, I can't count the number of times I had stares while my dad gave himself insulin. Now granted when you hear someone say, "I gotta shoot up," you will definitely have heads turned. Or the enormous amount of times he would get up in the middle of lunch to go to the bathroom to be polite to do it instead.
9. Losing lots of weight.
In the pre-diagnosed stages, my dad, unhealthy, lost 60 pounds and drank tons and tons of water because of the symptoms of diabetes. This was super hard for my pops to gain back and I watched that struggle. That means going to the gym for countless times at night and early mornings, but I wouldn't change it for the world.
10. Water is life.
Water is love. Water is life. No matter what time of the day, water is ALWAYS in hand. It's either water or low-calorie Gatorade. (But most of the time, it's Powerade.)
