So, today as I look at this second year as a diabetic I think about everything that has happened in my diabetes world. There have been some major ups and downs but I think anyone's year would contain the same emotional roller coaster diabetic or not.
Me sporting my pump with Sami after a soccer game!
I would have to say obtaining my new best friend, my insulin pump would be the most important and life changing diabetic even in the last year. After being on multiple, shots, I finally was able to say goodbye to the syringes and injection pens and hello to the twice a week jab of my infusion set. In a lot of ways life has been so much easier with the pump, no taking shots in public, or in front of strangers and giving myself insulin is so much more accessible therefore I give myself more insulin which overall controls my sugars better.
Me and my clear pump
Finally having somewhat better control with the pump means a lot more insulin which also means a tad bit of weight gain. Since I first started insulin I have gained approximately 30lbs. I am not happy about the weight gain and have actually felt as if I am in better shape than I was 30lbs lighter. I started walking with some co-workers towards the end of the summer and even started running a bit. I participated in my first 5k on Labor Day, and really enjoyed challenging myself.... running with a pump however was not a dream come true... my pump would weigh my shorts down therefore I would have to hold on to it as I ran. We also participated in another 5k in October. I may have gained some weight but I feel as if I am in much better shape than I was a year ago, with the holidays approaching, I should probably get back to work and back in the gym so the sweets, dont kick my but too much!
Some of my hospital family and I before our Labor Day 5k
Halee and I before our "Monster Dash" 5k
This last year I have tried to be a lot more open and positive about my diabetes, I submitted a "diabetic tip" and was published in "Diabetes Living" and I submitted my Halloween story to "Diabetes Daily" where they published my story and picture which received almost 400 "likes" The comments and positive thoughts from people I didn't even know was overwhelming.
My picture that was published on Diabetes Daily's facebook page.
I believe in the last year I have grown in many ways as a diabetic, there are still some days of denial but overall I am much more accepting of this disease. I have tried to get "out of the box" and become more open about my life in general. There is still a fear that people are judging me and assuming I have diabetes because I simply ate too much chocolate, but I try not to think of "those people" at all. God didn't just decide one day that my life was too easy and I needed another battle, he gave me this disease for a reason, somedays are easier to see than others but there is a purpose, that I know.
So, to make this post relatively "short" for me anyways I would like to just say "Thanks!" to all of the important people in my life that have held my hand throughout a lot of my daily struggles, I am such a lucky lady to have so much support and love from many people, I would be lost without each and everyone of you. Now... I have to go and CELEBRATE! :)