I was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of twelve. I didn't know what it was or how it would affect my life but with the support of my family and friends I managed to make it through.
Through my teenage years I made plenty of mistakes as most teenagers do, such as not eating right and not exercising as I should which lead to chasing my blood sugar levels. In retrospect I'm sure my glucose levels were higher than they should have been. As a young adult I had lost my hypoglycemic sensitivity and suffered from a few seizures throughout the years. My endocrinologist suggested an insulin pump when I was about 28 which I reluctantly agreed to (body image thing). Anyway, I haven't looked back since.
I started a career in nursing the same year I started on my pump. Since then my education includes an Associate Degree in Nursing, a Bachelor Degree in Nursing and most recently a Doctorate in Management Practice in Nurse Anesthesia. I now find myself oftentimes caring for those who were not lucky enough to figure out the benefits of tight control like I did.
I have recently taken up the sport of road cycling and average a little over a 100 miles per week and I feel great! My glucose levels are within normal limits and I am requiring less insulin. I have also come to realize that God has always been there watching over me and helping me to overcome the things that I once thought I couldn't.
Diabetes does not have to ruin your life! TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE AND ALWAYS STRIVE TO DO BETTER TODAY THAN YOU DID YESTERDAY!!!!
Catlettsburg, KY
