A Guest Post by Erica Italiano, diagnosed with T1D at age 10

I would love to be able to go one day with out having diabetes on the top of my mind. Having type 1 diabetes is a full time job. The first thing I need to do in the morning is find my insulin pump that has been rolling around in bed with me all night. I then need to check my blood sugar and adjust my insulin. Whenever I eat or drink I need to make sure I am keeping track of all the carbohydrates I am eating so that I get the proper insulin dosage. Insulin dosing can get messy. You have to take into account blood sugar levels, insulin thats already working, are you planning on exercising soon, did you just finish exercising, are you sick, or does your body just not want to absorb insulin today. After thinking about all of these factors I give myself insulin and just hope for the best. This can lead me to having high blood sugar which can end up making me feel lousy with extreme fatigue, nausea, dehydration, etc. Conversely, I could end up with low blood sugar which can cause me to have abnormal sweating, shaking, and overall feeling like death is approaching. I must always carry around glucose tablets just incase my blood sugar drops when I am out of the house. I also always need to make sure I have back up supplies for my insulin pump and glucose meter. I wish one day I will be able to to walk out of my house without worrying if there is enough insulin in my pump or if my blood sugar level is safe enough for driving. I wish one day I no longer have type 1 diabetes.

Erica has become an active member with the JDRF Young Leadership Committee (YLC).  The YLC is a group of young professionals dedicated to raising funds and awareness for JDRF, hosting various fundraising, networking, and social events.  If you are interested in joining the YLC, please contact Sara Lewis at slewis@jdrf.org or at (717) 901-648. You don’t have to be an adult with T1D to join – you just need to want to find a cure for T1D and spread awareness, and to connect with other young adults who do, too!