Voices of Diabetes

My name is Amy and I am 30 years of age. I have been diabetic for 5 years now. 

During my pregnancy, I developed gestational diabetes, but unlike most cases, it did not disappear after the birth of my daughter. I have been diagnosed as Type 1.5 or more commonly known as LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults). I had much comfort when I was diagnosed with that specific type as I battled the questions of "why me?"  I didn't fit the mold and didn't have a history of diabetes in my family. I was very fit and within normal range for weight. The bottom line is that I do have diabetes and I am thankful that I was able to accept that fact early on, instead of living in denial as so many do.

I talk about living with this disease all the time. It doesn't seem like a day goes by that I don't meet someone who faces the same struggles and challenges that I face.  Being open by talking about it makes it seem a little more bearable somehow. Being a middle school teacher allows me the opportunity to share my experience with students battling the same daily hassles that come with this disease. I am able to maintain a more positive attitude about taking the proper steps to take care of myself if I am accountable to others who experience the same things.

My advice to anyone facing diabetes and all of the complications and struggles that are intertwined with it would be to stay connected to others who know firsthand what you are feeling, thinking, and experiencing. My experience is that there is an instant bond when you meet another diabetic that you can share your story with.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my story with others. My hope is that it will be an encouragement to others to stay connected and build relationships with other people who truly understand the "real you" and all that is entailed.

Amy C, 30
Chester, VA