Q & A - Part One

Questions and Answers:

This blog is a more interactive blog post including questions from classmates that I will answer.

Question 1: How has diabetes affected your life?

Well, that is kind’ve what this whole blog is about. Explaining what diabetes really is and the opportunities I have had and how it has changed my overall perspective. To answer the question though, diabetes has affected every single part of my life. Growing up in elementary school was definitely one of the most difficult times, trying to fit in with younger kids who didn’t understand what was really wrong with me. I had to overcome many challenges and learn how to use a positive attitude to make it through the day. Meal time is different of course, I can not just sit down and eat, I have to check my blood sugar, count carbs, calculate insulin doses, and bolus insulin. Every. Single. Time. I. Eat. Yes I know - that must be tiring! It can be but I have had diabetes for 15 years now and I am really used to the whole routine. Diabetes affects my activities too, I have to make sure my glucose levels are in good range before participating in activities. Diabetes affects everything. I could write an entire book about this.

Question 2: When did you first discover you had diabetes?

In July of 2001, I was very sick with the flu. I could not get better no matter what my parents or doctors did. I slowly started losing flu symptoms and having more symptoms like frequent thirst, urination, hungry, irritable, etc. My aunt is a nurse and she mentioned to my mom that she thought I had diabetes. So on October 23rd, 2001, after about 2 months of battling symptoms and many trips to the doctor, I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was in the hospital for about two weeks while doctors got my glucose levels under control and my parents started to learn how to take care of me. October 23rd is what I like to call my “Diaversary.” A few days ago I had my 15th Diaversary - bittersweet.

Question 3: Is there any foods you're not allowed to eat entirely?

Well, for those of you who know me personally would know that I can not eat gluten. Diabetes is not the reason I am not allowed to eat gluten, I live with another chronic illness - Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is a disease in which the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten, leading to difficulty in digesting food. So therefore, I eat a gluten free diet in order to maintain a good internal balance of digestion.

To answer the question though, Diabetes does not really restrict a person from eating any certain food ENTIRELY. However, because sugar and starch filled food raises blood sugar levels it would not be smart to eat something like a Reese cup with a blood sugar of 200 or above. On the other hand, sugar and starch filled foods can be helpful when glucose levels are low and the body needs sugar and energy. Diabetes requires a balanced diet with strict management, but nothing is completely off limits.