We all have the strength
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.