My Story: Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis

I got diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 24 years old – a day I truly will never forget. I went into Diabetic Ketoacidosis and needed to go to the hospital.  At the time I had no idea what that meant or what was happening.

After returning from vacation with my boyfriend and his family, I was feeling off but assumed it was from eating too much junk, drinking too much alcohol, and being out of my routine. I went to get tested for COVID-19 as a safety precaution after traveling. I mentioned to the doctor I wasn’t feeling well and told her my symptoms: frequent urination, excessive thirst, and blurry vision. She then took a urine sample and told me I should go to the ER immediately because I may have Type 1 Diabetes. I was in complete and utter shock. My heart stopped and sank into my stomach and I cried.

My mom drove me to the ER that day but unfortunately was not allowed to come in with me due to the COVID-19 restrictions. I didn’t think I would spend the night there; little did I know I would be there alone for 3 nights. I was definitely in denial – none of it felt real. I spent those days in the hospital getting tests done, getting my blood sugars stable and crying… a lot. I learned how to finger prick myself, give myself insulin shots, and read through pamphlets to learn about my new life with Type 1 Diabetes.  It was all SO overwhelming. I definitely went through all the emotions: shock, denial, fear, grief, loss, hopelessness, depression, adjustment & acceptance.

I really want to emphasize that while all of these emotions are valid and extremely healthy to go through, the major key is adjustment and acceptance. Eventually, you will complete the transition from what was familiar before T1D to accepting it as part of your new life, no matter how long it takes. The timing looks different for each person, but it will happen. It might take you six months, a year, or you may go back and forth between being okay with your T1D to not being okay. It’s been a year and I am not sure I have even fully accepted it. Life with T1D is absolutely a rollercoaster, and there will be many emotional ups and downs. This is completely normal. As life goes on you will begin to have more ups and less downs which won’t last as long. T1D starts to become your new normal, and you slowly begin to realize this is just another chapter of your amazing life that you are so lucky to live.

I hope this blog spreads light, love and positivity for you or anyone you know who has Type 1 Diabetes or is going through a new diagnosis.