Tuesday 14-11-2023 - 09:01

Diabetes. A word I have used to describe myself over the last 10 years. Today, I'm opening up and sharing my story with you. 

 

On February 21 2013, when I was 12 years old, I received my diagnosis. That day, my entire world changed, and I will never forget it. Despite Type 1 Diabetes being hereditary, I was the first person in my family to receive a diagnosis. 

 

Before the diagnosis, subtle signs were there. My family and teachers noticed that I was consuming an excessive amount of liquids, using the toilet frequently, losing weight quickly, having little appetite, and having difficulty sleeping. I had several blood tests done on the advice of my GP. 

 

When I arrived at the hospital, I was admitted, diagnosed, and started treatment right away because if I hadn't, my blood sugar levels would have risen to a dangerous level, risking a potential coma. Three weeks later, after being off, my school was informed of my condition, and a treatment plan was made.   

 

Being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12 was a huge shock that changed my life forever. I could no longer eat like the rest of my family without acknowledging my condition, and changes had to be made to allow me to begin daily injections of insulin that my body no longer produced. 

 

Did I fight against the changes I made in my life? Without a doubt! Imagine a twelve-year-old child being required to measure insulin into a syringe and inject themselves, as well as prick their fingers multiple times a day to test their blood sugar levels. 

 

Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level was a daily struggle – an ongoing battle I still face today!! Initially, I would need to prick my fingers at least four times per day, in addition to four insulin injections. Fast forward to now, and I have got this fancy little device attached to my arm that allows me to scan my blood sugar levels using my mobile phone – it's amazing how far technology has progressed! 

 

I refuse to let diabetes dictate what I can or can’t do, and I do not let it stop me from doing things I enjoy.  I have participated in both my school's football and rounders teams, and even travelled down south to Dartmoor for a week of training in preparation for a three-week expedition in Iceland! 

 

My message to you;  

 

Diabetes doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, weight, or health - and it’s also considered a hidden disability! It is time to educate the next generation about diabetes and dispel the stigma associated with it, and the only way to do so is to talk about it openly! 

 

Over the past ten years, I've learned to accept and live with this condition. I've done everything I can to live a full and exciting life so far, from becoming very involved in school to being the first person in my family to attend university, and now being elected EHSU Education President for 2023/24! 

I hope this story allows you to think about what it's like to live with diabetes and that it doesn’t stop people from accomplishing great things!