Lynn’s Story: Living With Diabetes

It is difficult to think of a time or situation when diabetes did not affect me in some way. Everything has been more complicated since I was diagnosed at the age of eight. My mom had to come with me to sleepovers, birthday parties with birthday cake became a huge ordeal, and snacks and lunches at school had to be carefully chosen. After school sports, swimming, and even just playing on the playground all became more complicated because everything had to be calculated out instead of simply enjoyed.

The difficulties and disadvantages I have experienced from growing up with diabetes can only be fully understood by others that have grown up with Type-I Juvenile Diabetes. That being said, the willingness of my friends, family members, professors, and supervisors to listen to my struggles and to support my efforts to care for myself have been instrumental in overcoming these barriers. I find it most helpful when people close to me ask me how they can help or if there is anything I need. While I usually say no, I feel very supported when I hear that people can and will be there for me when I need them.

The worst, most insulting thing I experience is when other people, whether it be my mother, my best friend, my doctor, or my religious leader, try to tell me what to do or what they think is best for me. Also, suggesting things that I can or should do undermines my sense of control and responsibility. Everyone with a chronic condition has many more visible and invisible balls to juggle than someone who does not. Even when I am with other Type I Diabetics, I am careful not to assume I know what is best, no matter how long I have been living with it. The specifics of everyone’s life interact with their condition differently. The individual is the only one that truly knows what is best for the individual.

I am still very annoyed that I have this condition. I am still deathly afraid of long-term complications, and I still don’t have the time or the resources to avoid these complications. While I have acquired more skills to adjust to this way of life, I have acquired more responsibilities in every aspect of my life, not to mention more stress.