A A Guest Post by T1D Brooke

Diabetes is all I’ve ever known. Unlike most of my peers, I never had to make the awkward transition from “normal” childhood to a new way of life. I was diagnosed at 11 months old and celebrated my first birthday in the hospital.

There were downsides to being the Diabetic one at birthday parties (no icing on my cake) and to all the bloodwork, but at least it got me out of some gym classes. I have witnessed the transition of pig to human insulin, meters that went from 60 to 5 seconds, and an explosion of glucose tab flavors. I have remained ‘old-school’ and continue to use syringes. What has endured is the ability to gross others out by doing an injection in front of them.

I had a difficult time with identity development as a teenager. I wanted to be perceived as tough and strong, and in my mind, Diabetes did not belong in that picture. I often minimized aspects of the disease, or attempted to convince myself that my pancreas would somehow work on a slice of pizza without insulin assistance.

Fortunately, I outgrew those thought patterns. I understand that this is my reality, and just like my other medical conditions, there are steps that must be taken each day. These are merely folded into whatever plans I have; whether it be taking part in my internship, going out with coworkers, or road-tripping on new adventures. I am tough and strong because I’m Diabetic and have learned ways to live with this on a daily basis. I consider Diabetes an adjective to my life: it can help describe me, but it does not define me.

If you have a teenager with T1D going through struggles like Brooke did, contact the JDRF office at (717) 901-6489 for resources to help teens and parents of teens with T1D. Or check out JDRF online resources for teen here.