Day 4: Accomplishments Big & Small

"We don’t always realize it, but each one of us had come a long way since diabetes first came into our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s been 5 weeks, 5 years or 50 years, you’ve done something outstanding diabetes-wise. So today let’s share the greatest accomplishment you've made in terms of dealing with your (or your loved one’s) diabetes. No accomplishment is too big or too small - think about self-acceptance, something you’ve mastered (pump / exercise / diet / etc.), making a tough care decision (finding a new endo or support group / choosing to use or not use a technology / etc.)." 

I'm late posting this one on account of an unexpectedly exhausting week! So big and small, well I think travelling with diabetes can seem epic, especially when venturing to places you've previously never been! At the age of 17, I was accepted into a Youth Exchange Program, but not until I'd convinced them that I could look after myself - confidently and independently. I had originally asked to go to Europe, but the organisers were hesitant: if selected, I would be the first diabetic in the program for that region, ever. I like to think I put up a good argument, but they still weren't keen on me being faced with a language barrier so off I went to Texas, America! There I battled it out with a whole new world of fast food chains (carbs anyone???), 'biscuits' which are more like a savoury pastry scone, Minute Maid, Oreos (WAY TOO MANY), fried chicken, steaks the size of your head, chicken-fried steaks, Grandpa's banana pudding (He was somewhat ignoring the fact he had Type 2 diabetes!), 'Gumbo', the list went on... Amazing. And all the while my 'wing-man', my 'second pair of eyes' - my mum - was on the other side of the world. Needless to say there were a couple of nights where I found myself praying, wishing, hoping to the blood sugar gods to bring my blood sugar down...pleeeeeeeeease! Within the first week of arriving, I also fell horribly ill. I was a shivering mess, and even lost my vision and hearing periodically over a few days. BUT I grew, I explored, I achieved, I conquered with diabetes and had the year of my life, never once wanted to go home. The program has now seen several more diabetics successfully go abroad, and while every diabetic is different, I hope that I set a good strong precedent!

Going to Thailand last year also seemed epic diabetes-wise, at the time. I was paranoid about getting sick or injured.... True to form I picked up a bug on the flight over! But it didn't last long and next minute I was in knee deep water backed up against a wall while 'teenage' Tigers were flying at me from all directions! Maybe that was something I should have been more concerned about! Didn't go low though!

Diabetes = Strength.
Mind and Body.
Sometimes I think we don't really have a choice: if you have diabetes, You've got to be strong. I have days when I plop down on the couch with a case of the 'grumps' and think 'BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE STRONG! Not today, I'm tired, I want a rest'. But then I pick myself up and realise that as much as diabetes means my body isn't working the way it should, somehow it has made me smarter, more resilient, more resourceful. I'm an independent thinker, yet keenly aware of my surrounding situation. In everyday life and emergencies, I have an inner confidence that everything will be ok because I know the right questions to ask, can think on my toes and am used to making quick decisions. I'd like to think I make a pretty dang good friend too, if simply because I always have food and treats on hand, oh and a good sense of humour, always. I've learnt be be observant, listen well and problem solve. I can fashion whole meals out of next to nothing and still give you a general breakdown of carbs and fats. I can multitask but still now when its time to rest. I am more educated on my health, and better equipped in life generally.

If you have Diabetes, or are a parent/carer of a Diabetic this is you too.
This is the Big and Small of diabetes.