Thanksgiving reminded me of my diagnosis. No, diabetes wasn't on my "thankful for" list. It's actually around the time of year when I was diagnosed.

Thanksgiving 2003, I had what I thought would be my last slice of pumpkin pie. My aunt made it, using my grandmother's "secret" recipe (hint, it's on the back of the Libby's can). Since I was about to be diagnosed with diabetes, I savored every bite.

My diagnosis came pretty much by accident. On Wednesday of that week, I went to the doctor thinking I had a urinary tract infection, but that wasn't the case. My urine sample showed a lot of sugar and a finger stick pretty much confirmed the doctor's suspicions. I was still send for lab work-a fasting glucose and an a1c test-but as the doctor said, glucometers don't lie.

The results came back about a week later. I was on vacation in Florida, lying by the pool with my cell phone by my side when the doctor called. Not the nurse, but the actual doctor. I knew it was pretty serious when the doctor herself called! When I told her where I was, she said to call her to set up an appointment when I got home. I pressed and she told me I might want to pick up a book on diabetes. I picked up three.

When I came home, I saw the doctor for the official talk. I was told to test four times a day (fasting and two hours after meals), to see a dietitian and to come back in two weeks. I was told that my numbers should be under 110 fasting and under140 at two hours. Of course they weren't. Sometimes they still aren't, but I've come to accept it as the nature of the beast.

Four years later, I wouldn't say that I'm thankful for my diabetes, but it has changed my life in many ways for the better. I eat much healthier today and I'm a lot more motivated to exercise than ever before.

The one thing I am very thankful for today is the diabetic community. Through this disease, I have made some great friends, some cyber friends and some in real life, who understand what its like to live with this disease day in and day out.