For anyone who has been reading this blog for awhile, you will know that I not only have Celiac disease but I also have Type 1 diabetes. Today marks a celebration of sorts for me that I felt the need to share with the blog world. I will warn you that this is not directly related to gluten free foods, gluten free living or gluten free anything specifically for that matter. Today marks a very different and special celebration for me....
On August 24, 1989 I was with my family in Winnipeg, celebrating my grandmothers 65th birthday and I was just not myself. I will spare you the details, but the end result was that I was diagnosed that day with Type 1 diabetes. Today marks 25 years (completed) of managing and living with type 1 diabetes for me!
Now to some this is not a reason to celebrate and to others I should be celebrating even more than I am. But to me, it is important to share with people that I (and my family and friends) have been through many experiences directly related to my diabetes and I am so very thankful for my family and friends who have been there with me every step of the way.
I recall as if it was just yesterday that after finding out about my diagnosis, one of my oldest friends in the world, who at the time was living very far away, decided that because I couldn't eat Halloween candy she too was abstaining from eating Halloween candy. Now, when you're 11 years old this is really a huge deal. Only a true friend would give up their Halloween candy because they love me that much. Other friends & family (Including Abisaac), have been there when I have experienced low blood sugars. These friends and family have helped me through the minor lows where they just grabbed me a simple glass of juice to major lows where they've had to call 911 and be at my side. Even my old dog, Cookie, would even sense when my blood sugars where heading downwards and would stay by my side till someone noticed to help me out.
Over the years, I've fought the misconceptions of having type-1 diabetes. People have asked "It must be hard to travel with your diabetes and live away from home". I have been able to travel abroad, I have lived away to attend University and then lived away long after that. When I was first diagnosed, I even had sleepovers at friends houses, and started to manage diabetes on my own because I didn't want me parents coming over to the sleepover to make sure I take my insulin.
People have commented about having children "Are you allowed to have kids?" asked one nurse during my first pregnancy which surprised me the most. With lots of diligence, exercise, and tight management of my diabetes, I have two beautiful children that are the joys of my life.
I remember everyday where I started on this diabetes related journey and just how far I have come. I also know how much farther I still have to go.
Thank you all for your support and appreciation for everything we do here at Gluten Free Edmonton.
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