#EverydayReality

“I’m still a diabetic when…”

I saw a post the other day that called attention to the fact that most people remember that I’m a diabetic when I’m eating. This is no surprise considering most people associate diabetes with eating too much sugar or a bad diet.

But, as the post said, I am STILL a diabetic when that meal is over.

I’m still a diabetic when I wake up, when I go to class, when I try to study, when I take a test, when I go to exercise, when I talk with friends, when I drive, or when I go to sleep. I am ALWAYS a diabetic...no matter the day, time, or circumstance.

I have partnered with the American Diabetes Association to take part in their #EverydayReality awareness campaign.

In reality, it takes a lot for me to complete a normal week at school. I don’t mean to be all “Woe is me”. That is the LAST thing that I want to do. I do, however, want to try and make you understand the hidden battle that T1D’s face every.single.day.

When I wake up for class, the first thing I check before getting out of bed is my Dexcom. I must ask myself, “Am I too high or low to go to class?”, “If I choose to go to class with a high blood sugar, will it even be worth it?”, “What can I do to change the number on the screen so that I can actively participate in class?”. I’ve been told before that I use my diabetes as a “crutch” or as an “excuse”. It used to really bother me when people would say these things.

“If they could only feel what I feel for 5 minutes, they would never ever say that to me or about me again…” I would think to myself.

In fact, sometimes, I would even wish that my peers all had to have a 300+ blood sugar for at least a day, or a low that they couldn’t come out of without the help of another person. I would actively sit and pray these things on those around me. Pretty terrible, huh?

Then, I realized something.

I can’t blame others for not understanding what is hidden to them. They see me, a “normal” looking girl who is getting special treatment (because missing a lot of important information and the chance to ask questions in class is what we all want, right?!). So, I learned to pray for empathy. I no longer desire for my peers to feel these horrible feelings that I have to feel on an almost daily basis. Instead, I pray that they can try and empathize with me. I pray that they, nor their future children, EVER have to feel what this feels like.

My #EverydayReality is that no matter what, I am always a diabetic. Every day, every second, I am a diabetic. I will always wake up and have to make an informed decision about my ability to participate in class, to take a test, or even run errands. Everyday, I will silently worry what people will think if I miss out on something due to uncontrollable blood sugar. Everyday as a college student, I will have to constantly check and correct my blood sugars so that I can make the most of my education. Everyday, I will pray for empathy and for a cure.

Until there is a cure for T1D, others like me will continue to face everyday realities like these.

This is my #EverydayReality, what’s yours?

Until There’s a Cure..

XOXO,

Teg