Today is Raise Your Voice For Diabetes day. So here I am, raising my voice.

Why should I? It's hard, getting the word out about diabetes. But that's why I do it.

I do it to combat the rampant ignorance about this disease.

I do it to do my part to set straight the massive amount of misinformation that's out there about diabetes, type 1 and type 2.

I do it because I want my daughter to feel comfortable advocating for herself one day and the only way she can do that is to see me, advocating for her.

I do it because her father would prefer to ignore her diabetes, feels ashamed that she has it and I don't want that shame rubbing off on her.
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I'm skipping the letter L - in favor of my very late Raise Your Voice post. Even later than I thought - because of technical difficulties... (Thank you, K) My voice still counts, I hope.

The countless days of senseless whirling
Numbers chugging, dancing in my head
Reminding me of their import

The unending barrage of needles and blood
And of damage and fear
Reminding me of my body's most drastic flaw

The every day of it

The every night of it

The demands

The requirements

The relentless, all-consuming weight of it
The wishing it was different - I was different
And the realization that you play the cards you're dealt

I watch, most days silent, as it destroys people I love.
This beast.
And I wonder how many healthful, strong days remain for me.

I look into eyes so like my own
Mirrors reflecting the days behind - the mistakes
And the days ahead? - For me?
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