Inspiring Stories

“Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance.”

A day that changed my life forever and a day that I will never forget is July 24, 2000, the day I was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Onset Diabetes. A term that at the time I was too sick to understand. The doctor’s statement, “You have diabetes!” began my long stay at the hospital. I was placed on the ICU floor for five days. Before I was diagnosed with diabetes I had become extremely sick. Diabetes did not run in my family, so we did not recognize the warning signs.
When I got to the emergency room my blood sugar was 800. A normal blood sugar for me is 80-120. 800 was a cause for panic. I learned later if I hadn’t arrived at the hospital at that time I could have lapsed into a coma, fighting for my life.
When I was younger my parents would have to drag me kicking and screaming to the doctor’s office. If I had to get a shot during the doctor’s visit it was that much worse. I can look back and laugh about this now. When the nurses educated me about what I would have to do to take care of my diabetes every single day when I got out of the hospital I had to fully understand that the shots I was so afraid of receiving when I was little was now going to become a part of my everyday life for the rest of my life. Learning to inject myself with insulin shots was hard for me. Although I was resistant at first, I would have to do this in order to stay alive.
Thirteen years later, I am very used to my diabetic routine. I wear an insulin pump. I also wear the Continuous Glucose Monitor. Diabetes is a challenge and sometimes difficult. No one ever said life was going to be easy! It’s easy to get down on yourself but I realize now that this life experience has made me a stronger individual able to face new challenges everyday!

Anonymous
Shelton, CT

Diabetic Dreams

My daughter turned 12 in Dec 2010, the first week in Jan 2011 she received her 3rd dose of the Gardasil HPV shot, Within the next week we noticed her being more tired, drinking more and just not acting like herself and she was lost lots of weight, but I figured she was just getting a cold... Exactly 2 weeks after the shot was given, My daughter was a grayish/ black color, she was unable to answer my questions or even move. I Immediately
rushed her to the ER... Where the doctor told me she Only has Diabetes, and her level was over 800... I was in shock, how did this happen to my little girl, and how can anyone say "Only diabetes". She was then put on an insulin drip, ect and rushed to ICU in a different hospital 35 minutes away, where she stayed for 6 days. There we were taught the things we needed to know, and when we were released, it was like going back to a world we would never recognize again. Everything was changed for her, which also means as her mother, my world was forever changed and even more worries entered my head. The only hardships we have is the cost of things:( That is a real struggle since I am the only one in the house working a part time job... It has now been over 2 years since her D-day, and she is on an insulin pump, doing better now than she was 6 months ago. Her last eye doctor appointment we was told she has a Cataract in her one eye. But we are blessed to have such a wonderful daughter, since day 1 she refuses to let anyone do her shots or finger pokes, but Her, she has took the responsibility of it all like an adult would have. But being Mom, I of coarse over see everything she does:) She has had 2 hospital visits for Ketones/High Glucose since the beginning. I have to say I am proud of my daughter, and SHE IS MY HERO!!!!!

Anonymous
Caro, MI

How I cope

I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 2009. When I found out I had diabetes I completely stopped eating carbs and sugar. I was so freaked out. I used to weigh over 200 pounds. I had a hard time with taking my blood sugars when I should and I was only on pills at first. I consider my diabetes a blessing and a curse. I am thankful for my diabetes because it helped me lose 80 pounds, at the same time I consider it a curse because I can't eat the foods that I really love.It took me until now to really take my diagnosis seriously. I have watched my family members struggle with this disease, they don't manage it well, they eat poorly and they don't exercise. I know how important it is to stay on top of my blood sugars and eat properly. I plan on living a long and fulfilling life. This disease is not going to get me down.

Traci Elam
Spokane, WA

Misdiagnosed over 20 years a go but living strong with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease; I won’t let the condition define me! I believeI had diabetes 23 years ago. I had placenta previa and in the hospital most of my pregnancy. The clinic stayed so concerned with blood loss that they never tested for gestational diabetes. My daughter after a transfusion was born at 34 weeks with low sugar and weighed 7lbs. 2 oz. When I was 25 a clinic based on income said I had diet controlled type 2. I weighed 158 lbs (usual weight was 120). By December of the next year at church directing a play my mouth was so dry that my tongue was sticking to the top. I was so small and wearing 12 girls clothing.After the play my husband took me to a local urgent care, I weighed 92 pounds and found out my sugar was 680. An IV was started but they said I was too weak to be treated and sent home. My husband drove me to an Atlanta Hospital (45 min.) He was given instructions from the urgent care to wheel mepast admission. I had 4 children at home under 5 and told my husband nurses I could not stay in the hospital.However,the next thing I saw was a sign reading ICU, shocked and arguing at first then I spent the next 2 weeks in and out of consciousness. I almost died from that misdiagnoses but, thankfully the hospital found that it was type 1 and showed me how to give myself shots. I went home 2 days before Christmas with Humilin N and R a total of 8 shots a day. Since that time I have used insulin pens and now a pump. My children grew up knowing more about diabetes then most anyone. I work full time with special needs children and go to school part time. My husband now has a seizure disorder and I also care for him. The Lord is good to me, now age 48 with very little problems just eyesight. Just thankful for everyday I'm alive.

Mellisa
Moreland, GA

Living with LADA...

My name is Stephanie. I was misdiagnosed as a type 2 diabetic Christmas Eve 2012. I have recently been informed that I have a rather uncommon form of diabetes known as LADA ( latent autoimmune diabetes in adults). Even more uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with it at the age of 24. It is difficult having a doctor tell you they are not sure how to proceed because they have not dealt with this particular case before and that there is not much in the means of case studies to refer to. In the end, you still have to do the same things all diabetics have to do. You do your best to manage it and try to learn more about it everyday. I have recently had alot of things in my life turned upside down and have a beautiful 16 month old son to take care of. As much as none of us quite understand diabetes, It really has changed my life in incredible ways. Every day is a new battle, but it has given me strength I honestly had no idea I had. It makes me want to fight harder, learn more, and improve myself everyday. I have so many things to be grateful for and a child that makes my life worth living. Anyone with serious health conditions feels defeated from time to time I think, but the fact that we still have the chance to wake up every morning is a blessing in itself. Another chance to put your best foot forward, another opportunity to make memories, another day to inspire and help others. As scary as it seems at times, I will not let it slow me down! Every day is worth the fight and one step closer to a cure! Stay Strong!

Stephanie
Monticello, MN

From Busch Gardens to the Navy Hospital

When I was 15 years old my family took me and a friend to Busch Gardens, probably for Hallow-scream. When we get there I took my friend on one of my favorite rides in the park. At the time I felt fine after riding though I felt very dizzy. My mom thought that it would be a good idea to eat something and drink something. So I agreed and had a snack, unfortunately I got sick shortly after my snack and decided I didn't want to ride anymore rides that day so, when we went to get dinner at the Fest house in Germany I had sat down at a table while my parents got dinner. When I started to notice my stomach hurting so much that I couldn't sit up. I went to the bathroom without my parents seeing me leave the table, when I left the restroom I began to feel light headed and had blurry vision. My mom asked "should we leave?" I said yes that would be a good idea. So my dad picked me up and carried me to one of the EMS people at the park and they put me in a wheel chair and we left the park straight for the hospital in Portsmouth screaming in the car because my stomach hurt so much we arrived at the hospital. In the emergency room they said my blood sugar was over 700, and that I had diabetes. When my mom found out she thought it was not possible because when I was five I was mis diagnosed with it. But this time it was real and my family and friend were so worried for me. I stayed in the hospital for a week and was told that i had to take Insulin with needles for the rest of my life. I said ok but when it came time to take my first shot by myself I held the needle above my left arm and cried. Now being 21 I'm more confident thanks to all the support I have been given

Bethany Burton
chesapeake, VA

life's a struggle

Been diagnosed just over three years and still find controlling my sugars hard,I follow a weight watchers type diet avoid sugary foods and drinks yet still have the odd high reading 9/10 in the morning once or twice a week.
My meds have been changed and this has helped,people don't realise it is a constant battle when your working but feel tired but you still keep smiling.
having a positive attitude helps but the effects of diabetes and the side effects of the drugs sometimes wears you down,reading about other diabetics and their lives and problems really helps so keep smiling everyone and keep up the good work

mark clark
Liverpool, United Kingdom

Staying Positive

I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes sixteen years ago. I had gestational diabetes when I was pregnant with my daughter then it came back two years later. I went from one shot to four shots a day within a month.It was hard to get used to eating on a schedule and no longer eating when I wanted. Sometimes I felt like I was a pain to everyone because when we went out to eat it had to be when I could eat. I got used to the needles and my family and friends were there for me! The companies I have worked for have been very understanding also! Praise God I have had no complications so far! The hardest thing for me is keeping it regulated with my busy schedule. I have to say by trying to prick my finger before every meal and two hours after a meal seems quite difficult for me. Mostly I suffer from being tired from high blood sugars but for the most part my doctor tells me I am doing great! You are fighting for your life everyday with this disease but you still can live a normal wonderful life if you take care of yourself!

Anonymous
Little Rock, AR

I Am Beating Diabetes, But It's Not Beating Me

Been a diabetic for over 27 years. Had some good days and some bad ones, too. I can have a good early morning fasten, but after breakfast it is high. I know that my weight plays a part in this, for I am obesity. I know there is some hope out there for me. I have dreams that I will lose at least 50 lbs. and won't have to take insulin anymore. I can then teach others how to cook, eat, and lose weight to be able to control their diabetes.

Shirley A. Mitchell
Sandersville, GA

WAIT, WHAT?!

I was 4 weeks post op from major back surgery with a 5 month old when my 9 year old was suddenly constantly thirsty and needing to use the restroom to the point that his teacher called to discuss it with me. I called our PCP and told her I needed to get my son in whenever was next available. When I told her why she insisted I bring him in immediately, that those were signs of diabetes! Wait, what?! Sure enough, we spent the following 3 days at Children's Hospital getting our crash course on handling this completely unfamiliar disease. My sons very 1st words to the Dr were "can I still play football?" He's a Junior in HS now and has played every year since his diagnosis! He also runs track and went to the state championships for power lifting last season! It's not easy, not for any of us, but you live and you learn and most important you never give up!

Karey Waelchli
Cleveland, OK