World Diabetes Day 2018

World Diabetes Day.

Did you know that today is World Diabetes Day because the man, Dr. Frederick Banting, who created insulin (aka the only thing keeping me alive) was born on this day?

I would give anything to give Dr. Banting a hug today.

Without his work, I would have been lucky to see age 11 (a year after my diagnosis). Diabetes scares me, everyday. Everyday I think about the fact that this is as good as it gets for me - constantly worrying about my blood sugars (Am I too high? Too low? Will I go to sleep and not wake up due to hypoglycemia?), thinking about every meal (How many carbs am I eating? What about the fiber or fat content? Can I realistically finish this meal, because if not, I need less insulin.), giving myself injection after injection - this is my reality. Until the next Dr. Banting comes along with something groundbreaking...something like a cure.

Today I ask that you join me in celebration. Celebration of Dr. Banting, of the life people with diabetes still have to live, and in celebration of small victories. I ask that you join me in prayer that one day we will have a cure, that the person who feels like they can’t go on another day with this invisible illness gains the courage to take the next injection and keep going, that the mother/father who just learned of their child’s lifelong diagnosis doesn’t try to do this alone or blame themselves. I ask that you join me in prayer for a society that grows more aware, that puts an end to diabetes jokes, and that learns empathy.

Today, I am thankful for the people in my life who have pushed me to go on when I have had no desire to keep fighting. I am thankful for the support of educators who were/are understanding when I was/am struggling. I am thankful for those who think before they speak about anything pertaining to my health. I am thankful for the support system that I have in my family and friends. Today, I am thankful for new devices such as the Dexcom G6 that make diabetes management more bearable.

But...most of all, today I am thankful for who diabetes has made me. Diabetes has torn me down more times than I can count. It has made me beg God to allow me to stop living. It has taken experiences from me and caused UNMEASURABLE amounts of frustration, but diabetes has also given me more than I could have ever imagined. Diabetes has given me a passion. It has given me more friends than I ever knew possible. It has given me amazing experiences to be surrounded by so many beautifully gifted, driven individuals who all want change. It has given me the desire to be in healthcare. It has given me a powerful, wonderful, story. It has given me strength.

Thank you, Dr. Banting & Thank you, Diabetes.

XOXO,

Teg