I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GDM) in 1984, at the age of 24, with my first pregnancy. It was actually the beginning of my journey with type 1 diabetes and I was devastated and afraid for my future. I had been practicing as an RN for three years and had worked with many people who had diabetes. After diagnosis, I realized that I never fully understood what having diabetes meant and the many challenges that were involved. Being diagnosed with diabetes gave me a new perspective. I recognized how I previously made judgements without really knowing the story.
At the age of 19, I was diagnosed with diabetes. At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that diagnosis would mean for my future. I thought it was something that I could manage easily, something that wouldn't have a significant impact on my life. But as the years went by, I began to realize just how serious diabetes can be if not carefully monitored and managed.
I was 15 when I was diagnosed just 2 months after getting Covid 19. My biological mom has T1D so I knew what symptoms and signs to look for. My symptoms started out with cramping in my legs and constant thirst. This was during Covid so the water fountains weren’t open at school and we had to buy bottles of water - therefore, every single period, I would go into the bathroom and drink water out of the faucet because I was so thirsty. It would get to the point where I would burst into tears if I couldn’t get any water.
Give Today and Change lives!
With your support, the American Diabetes Association® can continue our lifesaving work to make breakthroughs in research and provide people with the resources they need to fight diabetes.