Type One Diabetes: My Story

Type One Diabetes is a condition that I and millions of other people have in the USA. On a daily basis, our fingers are pricked 5-10 times, insulin is injected into us or is pumped in by a pump, and we suffer from high and low blood sugars that change us completely. Although it might sound like this condition is terrible, and it sure can be at times, it has changed us all for the better. Here are a few ways T1D has changed me for the better.

When I was diagnosed with this invisible disease, I was ashamed of myself. At that time, I didn’t know there were 2 types of diabetes, or what it was. After 3-4 days in the hospital, I felt confident and independent with what I would have to do every day for the rest of my life. But what I had to do was not that easy. Every few hours, I’d have to test my blood sugar to see if I needed a snack or I needed to take insulin. Whenever I eat, I have to count the carbs, and depending on how many carbs there are in a food, the insulin amount will vary. With all of this, I have become brave, smart, and well rounded, which will help me to succeed in the future.

Because of this disease, I made one of my best friends. Her name is Celia. We met one night at a support group. She makes me smile, she makes me laugh, and she’s one of the only people who truly understand what I’m going through. Thank you Celia, for being my diabestie!!!

Another reason this disease has made me a better person is because I get to go to Clara Barton Camp. That is a diabetes camp for girls with the same disease as me. Going to camp this past summer, I had the best time ever. I made so many friends, and we did so much fun stuff, such as ziplining, and all camp tag, and the meals were so good! I also loved the camp dance. That was really fun too. I am so thankful to be able to go to camp, because when I was there, I had such a great time, and I didn’t want to leave. I love camp!

I have walked in two JDRF walks with my team Victoria Glucose Patrol.  My family and friends come to walk with me.  We have a lot of fun and it is nice to have their support.

Lastly, I have an amazing doctor: Dr. Brodsky. She makes me feel comfortable about being diabetic. She has saved my life and I am very grateful! I am always so excited to go to the appointments and talk to her to make changes. Thank you!

These are only some of the reasons diabetes has changed my life. I am a better person now.

Victoria Gasper