For December we will continue to interview family and friends of those who have T1D, and
what it’s like to live with them on a daily basis.

Meet the Amundson family who show you that being supportive to those you love with T1D can help inspire you to become a better person.

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My name is Brian Amundson. My wife Maura has been a Type I diabetic since she was two and we just marked her 35th year of diagnosis last week. We have been together for 7 years and married for the past 4. My role in Maura’s diabetes care is really more supportive simply because she has been in great control for many many years. At times her blood sugar may drop below 40 or 30 which does not allow her to wake up. I still become anxious when this occurs but have found that rubbing fine sugar or orange juice on her lower gums slowly raises it to a better level. In extreme cases I may inject glucagon subcutaneously. It will likely always be scary to me and I am trying to become less nervous when it does happen. I have become more aware of what it takes to maintain a normal glucose level and am in constant awe at the dedication it requires. It has definitely made me a better person with greater appreciation for what I have and what being a diabetic means.

Maura gave birth to our daughter Maeve, proving to me again that having diabetes doesn’t define you or limit you in what you can accomplish.

We have been involved in the Ron Santo JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes event at Moraine Valley Community College outside of Chicago for the past several years. We are excited to announce the addition of our daughter Maeve, who Maura gave birth to in July, 2013.

Maura is truly an inspiration to me and will be to Maeve as well. She is proof that Diabetes is something you live with but doesn’t have to keep you down or define you. We support all research and are excited for the cure to Diabetes!