The textbook definition of Type 1 Diabetes is an “autoimmune disease that develops when the insulin-producing cells in the body have been destroyed and the body is unable to produce any insulin” which is what I tell people if they ask what diabetes is. They usually ask after they have seen me checking my blood sugar or if I was giving myself insulin via my insulin pump. I tell them the textbook definition because it’s much shorter that what I perceive diabetes to be. To me, it is…
…an energy thief. Both physical and mental.
Diabetes is a constant reminder that nothing is what it seems. Just because you can’t see something, it doesn’t mean that it is not there.
Diabetes is, at times, painful.
Diabetes provokes me to question my perception of reality; “is this my life”, “do I really have to make myself bleed” “Do I really have to count the carbs in that food in order to calculate insulin”.
It is a challenge that makes me both mentally and physically stronger every single day.
It forces me to pay attention to detail.
Diabetes shows me how much I care about myself whilst asking me how far I am willing to go for the feeling of health.
It makes me sacrifice what I want NOW for what I want MOST.
Diabetes reminds me to be patient with other people when they lack information / education that I have with regards to nutrition and fitness.
Diabetes is asking the same questions repetitively, but never getting the same answer.
It’s a vice.
Type 1 Diabetes is something I am grateful for.
It’s emotional.
It’s a heavy weight that shows me how strong I am to be able to lift it and carry it around each and every day.
Diabetes is a reminder that I can and will handle ANYTHING to the best of my ability.
Diabetes is a bad dream that I am struggling to wake up from.
Type 1 Diabetes is something I did not ask for and it is something that I hope will one day go away.
I’m not sure where the impulse to write this came from, but I would love to hear you describe your experience with diabetes in your own way. You can email me [email protected] or leave a comment below.
Rowena x
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