Last year I had the fortune of being a part of a family retreat organized by JDRF of St. Louis. It was held at a hotel there and I believe it was the second one they've done. There were hundreds of kids and parents and it was a very successful event. Also at the event, there were guest speakers and various people and volunteers. They had a medical professional who discussed continuous glucose monitors and also updated everyone with all of the latest developments on the diabetes front. One thing that I really enjoyed, in addition to being a speaker, was the opportunity to meet other adults with type 1. It was something that I had never experienced before, a discussion in person with people just like me. I was blown away and it made my entire weekend unforgettable.

We sat around a table and took turns telling stories like we were old friends just sitting by a fire. There were eight of us and we all had our own unique adventures to share. After getting more acquainted with each other, we began telling diagnosis stories. This was the part that was so fascinating to me. Each of us had completely different tales. One guy, while he was becoming diabetic, mistook what he thought was the flu for type 1. He was throwing up, very thirsty, and peeing a lot- all signs of serious hyperglycemia. Another person in the group was originally diagnosed as a type 2 and then after having fluctuating sugars, was later re-diagnosed as type 1. We had people at the table who basically had it from birth and others who got diagnosed well into their 20's. Being at that table gave me some of the best diabetes education I have ever had.

If you or someone you know is a person with diabetes than I would highly recommend meeting other people who have diabetes too. It is a great way to make some new friends and also get to know others who endure the same kind of lifestyle that you do. Just like I shared some of my story with them, you are welcome to share your unique tale with us. Leave a comment below if you would like.

Thanks for reading. -Andy