May 1, 2025

Type 1 Diabetes is when the body mistakenly attacks the cells that make insulin, leading to very little or no insulin production. It can be present from birth but might be diagnosed later, and there’s no cure for it. Type 2 Diabetes is different; it’s when the body doesn’t use insulin properly, and sometimes the pancreas can’t keep up with the demand. This type is often linked to lifestyle choices and can be managed with changes in diet and exercise. In some cases, people can reach remission, meaning they can control their blood sugar without needing medication.

I was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. This disease has consumed me, little by little. It’s what I think about night and day. At 3 a.m., I’m woken by the harsh beeping of my Dexcom, a painful reminder that even in my dreams, I can’t escape the weight of reality. It’s a lonely feeling, knowing that while others my age are carefree, I’m trapped in a cycle that never lets me just be a teenager. From the moment that the doctor gave me my diagnosis, I knew needle pokes would define my entire life. I watched my numbers rise and fall after I finally thought what I was doing was working. Day after day, it will never end.

The hospital stay (where I learned my diagnosis) was awful. I felt dirty, humiliated and hopeless. I had never stayed in a hospital before this and I didn’t know what to expect. All of the nurses were nice, but it was extremely overwhelming. From the moment I got to the ER, I never had a moment to myself; if I had to cry, I had to cry in front of people, and I had three different nurses collecting my urine. 

During the hospital stay, I never had a second to process the fact that my life would never be the same. One second my life was completely normal, and with a few words, it changed forever. I couldn’t believe how calm the doctors were when they gave me the diagnosis. My entire world stopped, but everyone else’s continued.

My family has stepped up and been there for me in more ways than one. I am so incredibly proud of all the hard work they have put in to make me comfortable. I know I have them to fall back on when all of this gets too overwhelming. 

My sister is the person who has helped me the most with mental challenges. Every day she reminds me that I’m more than a girl who will die without a shot. She is always there for me when I’m overwhelmed and knows that when I lash out, it’s not out of hate, but out of pure helplessness. When I feel like I’m alone in all of this, she’s right there to pick me up and make sure I always do my best. 

My parents have changed so many things around our house just to make my life easier. They stayed with me every day and night while I was in DKA (Diabetic KetoAcidosis: not enough insulin, very bad) and made sure they knew exactly what I needed to live a long and healthy life.

My first night back home was amazing. 

When I first got into the house, I showered and got into fresh clothes. I spent the night with my best friend and had never felt that much relief in my life. I genuinely believe my best friend is the reason that I was able to adjust so quickly to being home. Instead of thinking about everything I had been through in the last few days, I got to forget about it, even  if it was only for a few hours.

I am definitely still having a hard time, but I know that if so many people can get through it, so can I. There is still so much for me to learn and understand about my body. I’ve done my best to accept that this is my life and that I control it; my life didn’t end when my pancreas stopped working at 17.

My future is so bright, and almost dying has made me see that. I’m not the best student and have always had a pit in my stomach while thinking about my future. While my body was failing me, I had a realization that I am supposed to be here, exactly where I am, and if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have made it through what I did. I am an extremely strong young woman and am very hopeful for the future and all that it brings.