I have been managing diabetes since 2010 with an A1C in the double digits for over a decade. I have struggled with my diet, weight, sleep habits, blood sugar levels, and maintaining a positive outlook. I tried a variety of strategies that were unsuccessful, however, ironically, the pandemic was the catalyst to get my health back on track. During COVID, I connected with the Walk with a Doc program and started walking in local parks and made small, realistic, attainable goals over time. Gradually the weight came off, I was sleeping better, and my diabetes became much more well controlled.
I was first diagnosed with gestational diabetes in June 1996. I had to take insulin shots with a sliding scale three times per day (vial and needle) for two weeks. Once I had my son on June 23, 1996, there was no more diabetes!
At nine, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a frightening and confusing time for my parents and me. Prior to the diagnosis, I had symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision, but I didn't think much of them. My teachers noticed I was struggling to focus and my grades dropped. One day, I became ill at school, and after being hospitalized, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. It was a challenging time, but with the unwavering support of my family, I learned to manage it, even giving myself insulin injections.