Daily Life and Language

I went pro when I was 11. Drawing up shots is in my nature. Two a day, rain or shine, in a moving car, on a plane, in public, and in front of friends who are scared of needles. I can’t let their fear stop me.

Needles are the most harmless part of diabetes. Emotions, thoughts, and feelings are the scariest part.
It’s not how we feel about ourselves but how diabetes is perceived and then reflected back on to us that can hurt.

Tips for people with and without T1D:
1. Don’t feel bad for a person with T1D. Tell them they are exceptional at life but no different than others.

2. Don’t say “I’m scared of needles” to a person with T1D. Tell them they are badass and fearless.

3. Do assume that a person with T1D has got it together. They know what to eat; they know when they need insulin. Boundaries are always appreciated even if you are just trying to show that you care.

4. If you have T1D and you are faced with a comment that raises your temper or makes you feel bad, weigh the options; either become the teacher and kindly inform, or choose not to spend your time on things that don’t really matter. The harshest critic is the one you listen to inside your own head. Move forward. Be resilient.

5. If you have T1D and suddenly find yourself having a bad day, STOP, and see yourself; You are a person first. Diabetes is a partnership. Remember who you are and what you love. You are not your A1c, or a test strip, or a pump. You are YOU. You are strong. Believe that you are are unbreakable and so you are.