Sunday, February 12, 2012

How Amazing is That?!

First T1 event @ Jack Astors! 

It's not every day that you are surrounded by people that are just like you.  Sure, we don't all have the same hair colour or the same body shape - we are all unique, but there is one thing that makes us all very similar. That one thing, that people label as being 'bad', that intrudes on the lives of so many children,  teens and adults - well that one thing has brought a bunch of similar people together that would have never met otherwise.  Oh, that one thing, I am sure you've guessed it, is type 1 diabetes.

Tonight, my vision all came together.  Fifteen type 1 diabetics, filed in to Jack Astor's for a nice dinner!  I wasn't sure how it would turn out, well, I knew it would be good, but I was a little nervous about what others would think about my 'brilliant' plan. The table, being rectangle, was not ideal to be able to talk to everyone, but I think all of us managed to become good buddies with the people around us - and now as Facebook promises, we have all managed to add one another and continue our conversations.

I think the importance of this, is equal to insulin.   We can take care of our bodies with insulin, whether that's with pumps or injections, but the power to take the insulin, remember the insulin as well as test our blood sugar isn't always there.     Sometimes being diabetic is a pain in the butt, and doing the daily routine can be boring as well as discouraging.  But, this is where being social with your diabetes come in.  I learned this as soon as I was diagnosed and found many, many other type 1s.

I realized that having people just like you in your life is key to taking care of your diabetes.   The average   diabetic is the solution to the control of your diabetes.  Having that safety net to catch you when you aren't sure what to do next or if you need that encouragement.  I've had a few people tell me already that their management has been better since being connected with other diabetics - HOW AMAZING IS THAT?

Tonight, before I go to bed, I am feeling proud. I am smiling and excited and cannot wait to organize the next event.  I know that this can go far and that is will help people living with diabetes just as much as insulin has.  Diabetes may be a life sentence (until it is dismissed by a cure) but until then let's put our efforts into creating these amazing 'safe' places where diabetics can feel normal, excited and free !

Kayla

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