Idaho Studios

I often wonder what the "best" age is to be diagnosed with diabetes. (I'm not saying there is a "best" but I wonder when it's "easiest" persay.)

I was diagnosed when I was four. I don't remember being sick or the initial diagnosis. I don't even remember "pre-diabetes" life where I was a "normal" kid who didn't take shots or get low on the playground. I simply remember having it. I remember always being aware that I was different. I remember sugar free chocolate and how horrible it tasted. I remember trying things out like "pain free" meters or insulin pens. I still remember my first Intensive Management class (yes, I'm old enough to have lived many years in the non intensive way with three set shots and no adjusting fast acting insulin).

For some, they are diagnosed later in life. My friend was diagnosed at fifteen, another at twenty-one, my dad at sixty. And I wonder (I've never approached the topic with another diabetic for fear of arguments) who has it better? They got to live fourteen, twenty, fifty-nine years without diabetes. They know the life without shots, pumps or finger tests. But does that make it harder? Do they then crave the old life more? They've saved those years on their heart, their kidneys, their eyes, basically their lives! All those years have to help in cutting down the risk of complications. Is the acceptance harder though? Does it take longer to learn everything you must know?

I really can't say that one is better than the other. The grass is always greener on the other side. I suppose that both have their pros and both have their cons. One thing I do know: I'm thankful for all the stories we have.