D- Blog Week 2015- I CAN

        This week I will be participating in the 6th annual Diabetes Blog Week. Each day there is a designated prompt that is meant to advocate about the different issues surrounding diabetes. Today's topic is I can. In the UK, there was a diabetes blog theme of "I can...”  that participants found wonderfully empowering.  So lets kick things off this year by looking at the positive side of our lives with diabetes.  What have you or your loved one accomplished, despite having diabetes, that you weren't sure you could?  Or what have you done that you've been particularly proud of?  Or what good thing has diabetes brought into your life?  (Thank you to the anonymous person who submitted this topic suggestion.)

        With a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, there is only one thing I can't do and that is produce insulin on my own. Besides that the possibilities are endless. I can eat sweets, participate in sports, and pursue all the dreams that I had before my diagnosis. One of my best friends who also has T1D taught me from the very beginning of my journey with D that my life did not have to change, just be adjusted. 3 days after my diagnosis, I was back on the ice competing at a figure skating competition. Yes, it was a rough experience and required many extra BG checks, but it was worth it because it showed me that I can definitely handle this and continue doing what I love most. 

     With that being said, living with Type 1 Diabetes is a burden at times. There are some days when you cannot do all that you had planned. Sometimes thing become too much and we must take a step back to rest and revaluate. But the next day we will be be ready to fight again and over come all the obstacles that are placed before us. It takes extra time, patience, planning, and supplies, but it can be done and I will make it happen. 

    Having T1D has shown me that I possess an inner strength that I did not realize I had. I can overcome a high BG without having it ruin my day and give myself injections without wincing. Living with T1D has given me a voice to make a difference in this world and help educate people about a disease that has many misconceptions. I can help others see that people with T1d are tough and there is no stopping us. 

   Four years into my journey with Type 1 Diabetes, I am finally realizing just how blessed I am to have such an amazing group of family and friends by my side through all the highs and lows. Those special people who take time to really learn about what I go through every day and then take the extra step to educate others as well so the string of T1D misconceptions does not continue. T1D does not only affect the person living with the disease, but also those who care about them. Together we can find the bright spots in this disease and embrace all the incredible moments we are given. 

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13