Diaversary

It’s January, the month of my Diaversary and I want to discuss firstly, what it really is but also whether this is something you fellow diabetics celebrate ( well, maybe not celebrate but at least acknowledge). Diaversary – it’s essentially an anniversary / birthday recognising the day that you were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It may seem strange to a non-diabetic however, is it such a momentous day that I feel it shouldn’t be overlooked. After all, it has wholly changed not only my life but also those close to me. So, do you celebrate the day? Let’s be honest each year that passes where you are managing your diabetes is a success – and it really is! Just think you may have graduated from university, married, given birth, built a business or even ran a marathon all while endeavouring to control your diabetes. You absolute ROCKSTAR! For me I celebrate it! I mean I don’t get myself a cake but I sure as hell tell everyone around me what day it is. My diabetes is such an integral part of my life that I think why the hell not. I remember the day I was diagnosed like it was yesterday. Somehow, I was still functioning having had it undiagnosed for (roughly) two months. For me it took a while to be diagnosed as the first doctor dismissed my symptoms, stating I was lucky that I was losing weight without trying (LUCKY?! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT!) Then, by the time I saw a second doctor and had my blood taken it was the Christmas period, which as we all know slows everything down. I was at university and I had five missed calls on my phone as well as a couple of voicemails. I listened to the first which was my GP asking me to call them back. Worrying but not dramatic. The second was my local hospital telling me I needed to get there urgently. As you can imagine I was terrified wondering what the hell was happening. I rang my dad who was luckily off work (it was his birthday, yes you guessed it I hijack his birthday every year!!!) I drove home to meet him and we went to hospital together. The whole day flew by but yet that night I was going to bed knowing I now had a lifelong illness. Information overload is an understatement. This was all very new and very alien as it is for each and every one of us who is diagnosed. The equipment, well it’s complex and you need to learn fast as it essentially keeps you alive and healthy. There were tears and lots of them as I didn’t really know what was going on and trying to take it all in and learn how to inject was an extremely daunting and scary experience. For Pete’s sake I was scared of needles and would almost faint when having blood tests… How was I supposed to inject at least three times a day! I had no choice but to get over that fear pretty quickly! So, you non diabetics may be thinking what’s all this you need to learn? Well not only do you learn how to inject, use your glucose meter and carb count but also how your own body responds to everything (and I really do mean everything). Being stressed, exercising and drinking are all but a few triggers which can change your glucose level ( I mean even the weather will have an effect!) Sounds almost unbelievable? I really wish I was joking. Not only does your body change through the weather but so can the equipment. Sometimes if it's cold my glucose meter won’t work and I have to shove it under my armpit to warm it up. Glamorous I know. In addition to this, insulin is just like goldilocks. Too hot, it won't work, too cold and it won’t work. It's all fun and games. So do you, or even would you celebrate your Diaversary?