When I was 12, my grandma picked me up from school one day to take me to the doctor. I was extremely tired, lost a lot of weight, drank water like an elephant and went to the bathroom every 5 minutes. On the way to the doctor my grandma insisted I must have been starving and needed to eat. Since it is a grandma's job to have happily fed grandchildren, she contributed my weight loss and lack of energy to being hungry. So she ordered me a large milkshake, since the thought of food was so unappetizing to me, and had me drink the entire thing. Little did she know what was in store for us in the next hour.

"Your daughter has Type 1 Diabetes", that's the only thing I remember from the doctor appointment, even though at the time I had no idea what that even meant. I had a blood glucose reading of over 1,000 (don't worry grandma I don't blame you :)), and was in DKA. Being only 12, as I laid in the hospital bed staring at the bright lights, connected to all sorts of tubes and wires, being pocked and pricked constantly with needles, I was so scared and confused. I didn't understand why I had to learn how to give myself shots and start learning about sugar intake.

Here I am, 15 years later, still learning how to control my diabetes and get those perfect glucose readings. Often times, it seems impossible, but I can't give up. Diabetes has taught me self-discipline, determination, and courage to do anything I want to do without letting it ruin my life. Completing half marathons while tending to my diabetes has been the most challenging, yet rewarding milestone in my life. Every day is a struggle, but I’m thankful for the advancement in treatment and my ability to live a somewhat normal life.

Sara Nothhelfer
San Diego, CA