I was diagnosed with type 1 at the age of 4. I started with the typical symptoms: excessive thirst, excessive hunger but losing weight, and all of a sudden I was wetting the bed, which I had never done before.
My mom took me to the hospital and the doctor told her its normal kid behavior. There's nothing wrong with me. After a few weeks of the symptoms persisting, she took me in to a different hospital and the doctor immediately knew. They did a blood test an my blood sugar was over 600. They educated my parents on what my diagnosis wa and how to treat it. They had to take classes as well, on how to take care of a type 1 diabetic.
I remember crying when my parents tried testing me or doing my shots. But it's as normal to me now, as breathing. I was able to give myself shots by the age of 6. I'd say my biggest struggle was/is educating others. Teachers would take away parts of my lunch they thought I couldn't eat. People these days still try to tell me what I can and can't eat. I'm 25. I've been a type 1 for 21 years now. . I can probably educate those nurses who educate others on it. . I don't believe diabetes defines me. I definitely don't own it. It's still a struggle to keep my blood sugars under control. But it does not and will not define me.
Tulsa, OK
