Sonia’s story: It’s how we look at our new normal that matters

For a few months before my diagnosis, I’d been feeling increasingly unwell. I felt very weak, had low energy, and was losing weight without trying. At the time, I had attributed these symptoms to my returning to work after maternity leave and looking after a little one – which usually means little sleep. I thought this was completely normal as a first-time mum, but my body was signalling that something far more serious was happening.

It was the day before my birthday back in 2017, when my life took an unexpected turn. It was a Monday when I was feeling really poorly, and my husband went to work, and my daughter was being cared for by my in-laws.

I had reached a point where I could no longer get up, open my eyes, or keep anything down. I called my parents and as soon as they arrived, they took one look at me and immediately called an ambulance.

It was a complete shock for my parents when the paramedic checked my glucose levels and questioned whether I had diabetes. The journey to the hospital was a complete blur. Upon arrival, the doctor explained that I had type 1 diabetes. My world fell apart as I grappled with the news and questions flooded my mind – it was really overwhelming. I’m grateful for the help I received that day as I had gone into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and needed urgent care.

In the days that followed, reality began to sink in. My family and I received information from the consultant, but I felt confused, overwhelmed, and terrified. It was a lot to take in – learning about injections, carb counting, and the ‘honeymoon phase’ where some insulin was still being produced. I was in hospital for three days, celebrating my birthday there – I was grateful to see my daughter, who lit up the room. I knew I had to be strong for her.

The beginning was incredibly tough. I went from hating needles to having to inject myself several times a day, figuring out dosages through some trial and error. I worked closely with my consultant to understand my insulin needs. There were moments when I got it VERY wrong, experiencing highs and, more often, dreadful hypos that left me tearful. As months passed, I began to accept my new reality.

The hypos were really tough. For me, they make me sweat, my heartbeat increases rapidly, and my words start to get mixed up. Overall, concentration gets harder, and I feel very weak. It’s a horrible and frustrating feeling, especially if you are out or if you feel like you took the correct dosage of insulin with your meal. It completely removes any sense of control you think you have.

Over the years since my diagnosis, I have experienced ups and downs, particularly at the beginning. On my 33rd birthday, I remember sobbing to my mum, mourning the loss of the simplicity of my life before diagnosis. She always reassures me, and on that day her words "You are sad, but I thank whatever divine power saved you every day," resonated deeply.

"I promised myself to see the positive in this situation. I was here, with a beautiful daughter who needed me, a loving family, and a body that just needed a bit more care."

My dad played a big part in helping me shift my mindset from “Why me”. I could see how upset he was when I was diagnosed, but he encouraged me to stay positive and accept my situation. He advised me to make the best of it, educate myself as much as possible, and be strong for my one-year-old daughter. His kind words, coupled with my deep respect for him, motivated me to live my life to the fullest and not let this new normal hold me back. 

It is a lot to constantly be thinking about when my next meal will be, what type of exercise I’ll be doing, how many units of insulin to take, and more. There is so much more to think about. Going out for meals can be challenging as I have to guess the carbs and might get this wrong. As many others living with diabetes will know, I can’t just leave the house without ensuring I have my diabetes supplies.

There is also so much more to consider when going on holiday – ensuring I have a letter from my doctor and that I’ve packed all the necessary supplies. It’s the mental load that comes with the condition, always having to think about it, which is tough.

As a family, my husband and daughters have learned exactly what to do when I'm having a hypo, always keeping my trusty apple juice ready. My husband often checks that I have supplies before we leave the house. Their support makes living with type 1 diabetes a bit easier. My young daughters are curious and much more aware of the condition than I was before being diagnosed. I'm thankful to all my family for their unwavering support.

One of the big challenges I faced since my diagnosis was trying for another baby. I wanted my daughter to have a sibling but was terrified and clueless about what this would mean for me. Learning as much as I could and talking to professionals calmed my mind greatly.

I entered the pregnancy prepared and informed, and those nine months saw my best glucose management ever. Thankfully, my pregnancy was straightforward, and my second beautiful daughter was born in January 2020, just before the pandemic hit. Another blessing. I share my story to highlight how life can change overnight. But it's how we choose to look at our new normal that matters.

"I’ve shifted my mindset from “Why me?” to “What can I do to make the best of this condition?” I became more active, more mindful of my nutrition, and ran my first half marathon last year. I'm also currently taking a nutrition course outside of work."

My message is that we all have the strength to make the best of the hand we're dealt. It's up to us to have the right mindset.

It’s really important that people understand what type 1 diabetes is – an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. I hope that greater awareness of the signs and symptoms will lead to earlier detection and getting medical help sooner. This is why I supported Diabetes UK with my own fundraising activity at work and by taking part in a charity walk to help increase awareness of diabetes and raise funds for their vital work.

For others finding themselves in a similar situation to me, my advice would be to educate yourself as much as possible. Reach out to support groups, use your medical team, and ask all the questions.

Don’t feel alone. Knowledge is power, and understanding your diabetes can help you make better decisions and feel more in control.  It’s also important to recognise that managing diabetes involves both physical and mental health. Remember to prioritise self-care.

For family members and friends – being there, being supportive, and also broadening your understanding of the condition is the best thing you can do. Your encouragement and positivity can be incredibly uplifting. Offering to join in activities or help with meal planning means a lot – your involvement shows that you care and that we’re in this together.