If I could best describe diabetes, I would say that it’s incredibly monotonous. How do I psych myself up to check my blood sugar, count the carbs in my food and deliver my insulin? How do I psych myself up to check my blood sugar again, count the carbs in my food again and deliver my insulin again?
One of the hardest things about diabetes is being able to muster enthusiasm to do this thing day in, day out. How do I keep my diabetes management feeling fresh and exciting? How do I keep myself feeling energised to put in the best effort I possibly can each day, without ever getting a break? How do I keep myself motivated when diabetes suddenly decides that what was working for me yesterday, is not going to work today?
Today marks a decade with diabetes. It doesn’t really feel like a decade. It feels like forever. I can also say that it doesn’t really feel like anything extra special when you have to do this all day, every day for the rest of your life.
Technology is one of those things that has firmly helped me to manage my diabetes in the best way that I possibly can. I acknowledge my privilege in being able to say that. The t:slim is a massive upgrade to the old Animas Vibe which constantly fatigued me. Being able to leave the house with nothing more than my phone and glucose tabs is the best feeling in the world. My rebatteried Dexcom has given me a greater level of convenience in my day to day with diabetes which I’ve never had before.
But it would undoubtedly be the power of peer support that helps to re-energise me in my diabetes efforts on a daily basis. From the #OzDOC chats of old, to being part of the Young Adult Diabetes Committee, right through to events like DX and the Diabetes Congress where I’ve met so many amazing people with and connected to diabetes. It fills my cup to the point where its overflowing, each and every time.
I’ve invested so much into myself over these past ten years, and I’m not sure that I ever would have found the motivation to do that if it weren’t for the community I have wrapped around me.
So, I guess today doesn’t feel like anything particularly special. It just feels like any other ordinary Saturday. Outside of Mother’s Day plans, I don’t really have anything special planned for today. I think I’m just grateful for that sense of normality. Well, as close to normality as possible when you have diabetes.
A decade with diabetes has beyond surpassed my expectations.
Thanks for being a part of it.
I’m not sure if ‘congrats’ is the right word to say happy diaversary… I am inspired by you, love what you have learned and look to you for the latest ways to live with this disease with grace. May the tech keep getting better…in the mean time enjoy this day as a day where all the work you put in each and every day has definitely paid off…
Thanks, Rachel 😊
I hit a decade a LONG time ago. This past January I hit my 48th Diaversary. Things have changed SO much from when I was first diagnosed in 1972. Counting carbs? Checking blood sugar? Never heard of! So thankful for my care today and my Omnipod and Dexcom CGN.
I have had type1 for 42 years eat normal food and use MDI. I have perfect health and zero complications. Too many diabetics are feeling sorry for themselves these days. Such a sad and pitiful life for them.
I agree, after 5 decades of diabetes I am still going strong. I believe to some extent you become what you manifest: If you believe you are strong resilient and empowered then that is how people perceive you as it is your reality. Far too many PWD are sadly fitting into the “disabled” mentality. I am unsure if it is the health system that contributes
to this or wanting your cake and eat it too dilemma. What happened to grit and fortitude ? Diabetes is basically tedious and boring like a lot of things in life, you have to develop some degree of self discipline, alternatively grab the disabled
Label and lament about what you could have been….
BTW well done Frank! I love your blog.
Thanks, Michele!
Had type 1 for 30 years.
Tried pump for 1 year but happy to continue with pen injections.
Like to keep it simple.
Thats my motto.
You’re doing brilliantly Frank. Inspiring people and getting on with life, your life, going triumphantly down the road it has taken you. Many others are joining you every day on this road that T1s take…and the people joining the road initially look to others for help, guidance and support. They will look to you. Continue to be who you are and doing what you’re doing. You will not always know you are making a difference, but you are ! Well done on all your achievements in the past 10 years.
That’s really nice of you to say. Thank you!
happy Diaversery Frank !!! It is great having your voice in our community Ten years is a bunch. I wish you another great 50 years. 🙂
rick
Thanks, Rick! I sure hope so.
A Decade With Diabetes – Diabetes Today
[…] If I could best describe diabetes, I would say that it’s incredibly monotonous. How do I psych myself up to check my blood sugar, count the carbs in my food and deliver my insulin? How do I psych myself up to check my blood sugar again, count the carbs in my food again and deliver … [Read more…] […]