I was diagnosed with type I diabetes in Sept. 1985 at 17 years of age and a senior in high school. I was terrified of needles and could not imagine myself on insulin injections for the rest of my life. Well, it wasn’t as bad as I imagined it would be. I now wear an insulin pump. My life with diabetes for 24 years now has been wonderful! Yes, I did say wonderful. I have been so blessed in so many ways and I make everyday precious.
Diabetes in strange ways has been a blessing. I do not have any complications from long-standing diabetes. I am living life to the fullest. I am now 41 years old and believe it or not, I’m a junior in college! Yes, college at my age and it is a dream come true. I am a Psychology major with a minor in Addiction Specialist and plan a career in the counseling field. College has been a dream come true for me and if someone would have told me when I was diagnosed in 1985 that I would be a college student later in my life, I would have told them they were crazy! But here I am, full-time college student with two years to go and I have never been happier!
I am even back with the love of my life, we dated as teenagers and after our breakup, lost touch for 19 1/2 years and tried numerous times to find each other again, always holding that special place in our heart for each other, we never gave up and here we are back together again, a true love story. And the ironic thing is that he is the one I was dating when I was diagnosed with type I diabetes and was sitting right there beside me when I gave myself my very first insulin injection. He is the best! He is very encouraging and supportive of my health and my college dream. His name is Greg and he has been the biggest inspiration for me to fulfill my college dream.
So, like I said earlier, my life with diabetes has been wonderful, although rocky at times just like all diabetics, I have come to the place in my life that I can honestly say I am truly happy and content. My advice to others with diabetes would be don’t ever think you can’t fulfill your dreams and goals just because you have a disease. You can do it. Don’t ever give up or quit! I never gave up on my dream of college and the love of my life, Greg, and I can tell you that my life has never been better, ever. 24 years after being diagnosed with type I diabetes, my positive attitude and determination along with complete happiness has kept me healthy and feeling better than I have ever felt before.
The sky is the limit. Nothing is impossible. Keep the faith. Stay strong and hopeful, life is so worth it! God Bless all those who have walked in the shoes of a diabetic. It is tough at times but remember, God will never give you more than you can handle. I have faced that fact many many times. The struggles have only made me stronger and I found my way to true happiness.
Best Wishes to all,
Take Care,
Deanna
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