I have been a type 1 diabetic since 1985. I started out on insulin, went to the very
first pump, and then went back to shots--even through my two pregnancies and
moving to a different state. I then decided to go back to a pump, because my
diabetes was controlling my life, instead of me controlling my diabetes.
When I was first diagnosed, I kept denying it--not taking
care of it. I eventually ended up in the hospital a number of times for not
doing what I was supposed to do to keep control.
After my third battle in the hospital and wanting to have
children, I went to a nutritionist and diabetes educator, started receiving
magazines on diabetes, and decided to get my act together. It was a battle, but after a lot of
persistence, help, and starting my own support group at work, I got on the
right track. I have since been blessed with two beautiful boys, a wonderful
husband who supports me, and a great support staff of physicians and diabetes
educators. I am in much better control than I was.
I still have a difficult time working in exercise, but my
A1C was finally down to a normal range on my last doctor visit. I use a pump, additional insulin, and check
my blood sugars (glucose) constantly to stay on track.
I will be 50 years old next month. I want to live as long
as possible to see my boys settled in their lives and retire with my husband
somewhere by the beach. Living with diabetes one day at a time and taking each
day as a new day helps me keep my outlook clear and grateful instead of denying
my diabetes and letting it beat me!
Rebecca G, 49
Oakhurst, NJ
133699