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Living Well With Diabetes

By Kathy Weinheimer

I have lots to do … every day. I have a husband, grown children, two dogs, a house, a job, and a myriad of responsibilities that differ from day to day. Each of these need my attention. Oh yeah, I have type 1 diabetes, too. I'm not complaining. I have a great life, not that everyday is all fun and games. But I have yet to meet anyone who lives problem-free every day, regardless of whether or not they are living well with diabetes. My life has daily difficulties, but I try to benefit each day from the experiences I'm given, and enjoy my life. So far, I'm doin' it.
 
I do have times that my diabetes tries to ruin my day. Yesterday I had the unexplained high that tried to escape my correction bolus. And I can't leave out the unexpected lows that try to slow me down, the carb to insulin miscalculations, the treat I just can't resist, or any number of things that throw my blood sugar out of range. I take each issue as it arises and treat it the best way I know how. Oh yes, like every diabetic, I'm doin' that too.
 
Soon will be my 52nd anniversary of being diagnosed with and living well with diabetes. Looking back, even though I was very young, it seemed like the dark ages of diabetes compared to now. I am lucky to have seen so many advances in diabetes knowledge and care. I have benefited from it all. The latest big improvement being my much-loved insulin pump. While all of these new improvements have helped me so much, I know it is not the machine, but me, who has to be responsible to use all the technologies available. If I'm not doing the work, all the " gadgets and gizmos" won't work for me either. I'm happy to be able to say, I'm doin' it.
 
This will be my last article for dLife. If you have gotten anything from my ramblings I hope it is that living well with diabetes is doable. Sure, it takes work, some planning, and learning to make some adjustments. I do it everyday, so do lots of others. It is a 24/7 part of my life. I don't waste time wishing it wasn't there, or wondering why me. It is part of my life, but I make it fit in with everything else I have or want to do. Diabetes doesn't have to limit my expectations in life, or keep me from looking forward to the future. There are lots of experiences left on my to-do list. I still have adventures waiting to happen.

You can bet, I'll be doin' it!

Disclaimer
dLife's Daily Living columnists are not all medical experts, but everyday people living with diabetes and sharing their personal experiences. While their method of diabetes management may work for them, everyone is different. Please consult with your diabetes care team to find out what will work best for you.