I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes almost 25 years
ago. Back then, I was told that I would
likely experience complications after 20 years. To date, I can say that I
haven't. I believe it's my focus on control that has helped me.
With diabetes it's easy to get burned out, easy to wake
up and say, "I don't want to have this disease today, I want a
break!" Unfortunately, we all know that we don't have that choice.
Getting involved with organizations that focus on
diabetes, such as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or the
American Diabetes Association (ADA), can give you an opportunity to help others
while helping yourself. I chair an Outreach Committee, volunteer with a mentoring
committee, as well as help organize the annual Walk for my local JDRF Chapter.
In these roles, I feel that I serve as a role model to children and parents
that one can lead a "normal" life with this disease.
It's because of this that I stay focused on my own
care. I mean, I can't encourage others
if I can't do it myself, right? And while I'm not perfect (who is?), I'm
reminded daily just how important control is. Like everyone, I have good and
bad days. I simply strive to have more good days than bad.
Being around others affected by diabetes has had a
significant impact on me. My A1C went from 7.2 to 6.4. Of course, there were
other factors affecting that number, but I believe my community involvement had
the biggest impact.
Jackie K, 34
Little Rock, AR
132557