My First Diaversary

Celebrating the day you were diagnosed with diabetes - your "diaversary" - may sound strange, but I recognize February 23rd as the day my life changed forever. We are not celebrating diabetes, but our fight against it and not letting it hold us back. I believe people should celebrate their anniversary of diagnosis because Type 1 Diabetes is hard. It's a full time job thinking like a pancreas. Managing this chronic disease is a huge accomplishment, especially during your first year. So, get yourself a cupcake.
(Yes, people living with T1D can eat cupcakes). 

My diagnosis was devastating news, don't get me wrong, but so many incredible things have come from it. Here are just a few...

1. I'VE LEARNED SO MUCH
One year ago, I had never even heard of Type 1 Diabetes! The only knowledge I had of diabetes was what I learned from watching the extreme weight loss TV show, The Biggest Loser. I truly thought I gave myself this disease and it was all my fault, until my ICU doctor told me otherwise. My nurse had to repeat and spell out "Diabetic Ketoacidosis" for me until I could memorize it. I spent the first few months scouring the internet for any information I could find about living with Type 1. I quickly discovered what a 'pump' was and how to use insulin pens. I educated myself on the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. I researched the history of insulin, and the names of people who changed the diabetes world. Without them I wouldn't be alive today. I've learned so much about my body and how I can't compare my diabetes management to others. Everyone is so different! I'm still learning. Every single day and will continue to until my last day on earth. No one becomes a pro at T1D.

2. I STARTED A NEW CAREER
Four months after my diagnosis, I started working for a fashion diabetes company called, Myabetic. During my intense online research I discovered their website. The founder's (@kyrrarichards) story immediately resonated with me because, like me, she was diagnosed in her 20s and did not want diabetes to define her. She designs fashionable bags, cases, and wallets to organize diabetes supplies. I saw Gretchen (@typeonetypehappy), an employee of Myabetic, post that they were hiring on Instagram - so I applied! I started working in Customer Service and now work full-time as a Graphic Specialist in charge of graphic design, video editing, and photo retouching.

3. I'VE MADE NEW FRIENDS
I can't even describe how incredible the T1D community has been to me. Just list every positive adjective in the dictionary and that would almost describe how remarkable they are. I've met the strongest, bravest, and most inspiring people in my life. Truly. People living with Type 1 Diabetes are badasses. They don't let their chronic illness hold them back from living their best life or achieving their ultimate goals. I used Instagram, T1D meet-ups (hosted by @ylcla, @BeyondType1, individuals, and @Myabetic) and the BeyondType1 app to make friends and connect with others all over the world. I even have a wonderful T1D pen pal in Costa Rica named Adriana (@socallediabetic). She found me on Instagram and we instantly clicked! We love sending each other sugar-free/low carb snacks and candy to treat our lows. I don't think I would have coped with my diagnosis as well without the support from the Type 1 community. Legit strangers across the country will drop what they are doing in order to give me advice, rant, listen, or answer one of my questions. I'm beyond grateful.

4. I ACCOMPLISHED FITNESS GOALS
Running, hiking, and exercise was always a big part of my life, but after my recent Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis I was worried it would keep me from living an active lifestyle. I was determined to not let it hold me back, and began training for a 5K one month after I was released from the hospital. After lots of trial and error, scary low blood sugars, and learning how to eat energy chews while running I completed my first 5K with T1D just three months later. I was even recently chosen to be a 2018 Brand Ambassador for an Austin-based running belt company called, SPIbelt! Their belt allows me to run long distance while carrying my glucose meter, lancet, test strips, candy, and energy chews. It has saved my life on a few occasions.

5. I'VE STARTED HELPING OTHERS
I remember laying in the ICU, unable to sleep in the middle of the night, feeling incredibly alone. I hated that feeling and was motivated with every fiber of my being to change it. Which is why I created this blog in order to keep others from feeling the same! I've connected with so many amazing people through Instagram and had the opportunity to help others going through similar situations as myself. You Are Not Alone.

Looking back it is obvious how God is working in my life. I truly believe He had this in store for me. Yes, it sucks and it difficult, but I see how He is using my diagnosis to change the lives of others, and especially my own. To be completely transparent with you, I hadn't seen or spoken to one of my parents in 3 years until I was diagnosed. My relationship with my sister and other family members has grown stronger. I decided to leave my post production career, and was completely lost on what to do next. God opened a new career opportunity for me just months after my diagnosis. Now, I have tons of new friends and a new understanding of a huge community that deserves to be known and recognized! Maybe God wants me to be a part of that movement. If so, I'm game.