Juvenile Diabetes Type 1

Today is International SPS Awareness Day. I dedicate this article I wrote for l’orient le jour, a french publication, to all the people who have inspired me along this journey.#StiffPersonSyndrome #RareDisease

I suffer from a very rare condition that affects one or two people per million called Stiff Person Syndrome.

Almost four weeks ago, I came out of the Intensive Care Unit ALIVE - that word has never had such an impact in my life.

On the eve before the 12th of February, feeling weak I told my husband not to worry if I took time to call him post treatment. My mum asked me if I needed her to drop me, but I asked her to pick me up instead because I told her I did not feel ok.

It’s like I knew…

Post treatment, my blood pressure went so low that I passed out and after various attempts to wake me up I was taken to the ER and a few hours later to the ICU. I was soon diagnosed with Septic Shock due to four different bacteria in my blood. In twenty-four hours my condition became critical, and my dad asked my husband to travel immediately back to Beirut from Africa.

From these eighteen days, my memories are the ones that my subconscious created as I was delirious, in and out of consciousness.

I dreamt of life, and how much I loved it, of music and dancing. I heard my parents and husband’s voices and gentle words of love without being able to respond.

Their love and my strength woke me up and I was alive again and able to communicate.

I love life, my body and its strength is undeniable despite all of my sicknesses.

I am thirty-seven years old and neither Stiff Person Syndrome nor its treatments will defeat me.

Whatever defines you hold on to it, do the things you love, live life because it is truly beautiful, live every day and appreciate it.

Life, you brought me back I will not disappoint you.

To all my loved ones, this is for you!#delirium #Coma #BackPain #MightyTogether #StiffPersonSyndrome #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #OrthostaticHypotension #Gastroparesis #Dysautonomia #Arthritis @angesdavis

Based on a scale of 1-10, how well do you believe you are managing diabetes?

Share in the comments!

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #lada #mody #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #GestationalDiabetes #ChronicIllness #MightyTogether

Did you know that bathing in hot water can actually worsen dry skin? Instead, bathe in warm water to help keep your skin moisturized and prevent dry skin.

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #lada #mody #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #MightyTogether

“You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” - A.A Milne

Be resilient, seek support when needed, and empower yourself with knowledge. You can live a fulfilling, healthy life while successfully managing diabetes, as well as inspiring others.

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #lada #mody #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #ChronicIllness #MightyTogether

“I am NOT my diagnosis, I’m just like everyone else, just a few extra struggles.
That doesn’t make me weak, it makes me a fighter.” - Anonymous

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #lada #mody #prediabetes #GestationalDiabetes #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #MightyTogether

“It’s okay to feel burned out from dealing with your health. It’s exhausting and there are no breaks”- Anonymous

I’m leaving in an hour to go on a mini-vacay with my family.

My clothes are packed. It's time to make sure I have enough diabetes medicine to cover the next couple of days as well as a spare in case of an emergency that prevents me from returning home in time.

To keep track of my blood sugar levels, I need spare CGM and meter supplies.

My blood sugar levels are affected by dehydration, so I have to keep multiple bottles of water on hand. During the whole time, the temperature will be in the 90's, and I absolutely refuse to spend $2-3 on a single bottle of water.

Lastly, there's the food situation. What are some foods I can eat that won't trigger my CGM alarm? Do I have enough snacks during long traffic jams?

Just the mental preparation of traveling with diabetes sometimes burn me out. But, it’s okay.

The important thing is that I'm making memories with my family, and although the extra preparation can be annoying, it's all worth it in the end.

I want to encourage you that it is okay to feel burned out. Feeling this way when we have to take extra care of our health conditions and still live our lives is a natural reaction.

There are no days off from managing diabetes; however, there are tools that we can use that can help us stay encouraged and motivated on this health journey:

- Changing up your diabetes plan
- Focus on activities and hobbies to temporarily take your minds off the stress
- Reach out to your healthcare team for mental health resources
- Reach out to a diabetes support group (like this community)

We are here to support you no matter where you are on this diabetes journey 💙

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #Diabetestype3 #lada #mody #prediabetes #GestationalDiabetes #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Lifestyle #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealth #Health #Support #SupportGroups #MightyTogether

Having an accountability partner can help you manage diabetes. An accountability partner keeps you on track with your diabetes management goals by providing support, encouragement, and motivation.

If you do not currently have an accountability partner, consider reaching out to a friend, family member, or healthcare professional who can fulfill this role. You can even use this community for accountability!

Having this support system in place can greatly enhance your ability to successfully manage diabetes and improve your overall quality of life.

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #Diabetestype3 #lada #mody #prediabetes #GestationalDiabetes #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Lifestyle #accountability #Tips #Support #SupportGroups #Health #MightyTogether

Time for a community check-in 💙

How are you really feeling and how can our community support you during this time?

Share how you’re feeling with an emoji or your thoughts in the comments below.

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #Diabetestype3 #lada #mody #prediabetes #GestationalDiabetes #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Lifestyle #MentalHealth #EmotionalHealth #CheckInWithMe #Support #SupportGroups #MightyTogether

“It’s okay to grieve. Your life may look a little different now that you have a diagnosis, but that’s okay. A different life doesn’t mean a bad life. However, at the same time, it’s totally okay to be sad and grieve. A chronic illness is a major thing. Honor your feelings. Don’t dismiss them.”- The Spoonie Diaries by @Katieemayl

Let yourself feel how you feel, then let those feelings motivate you to manage diabetes so that you can live the best life possible 💙

#Diabetes #DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #Diabetestype3 #lada #mody #prediabetes #GestationalDiabetes #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #MentalHealth #Lifestyle #Health #encouragement #IfYouFeelHopeless #Support #SupportGroups #MightyTogether

Asking questions during a doctor's appointment is crucial for maintaining good health.

It helps understand your health and medical conditions, provides information on medical terminology, and makes informed decisions. It also makes you feel more comfortable and confident in your healthcare journey.

Asking questions also helps provide personalized care by tailoring recommendations and treatment plans to meet individual needs. Additionally, asking questions helps avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications by ensuring you fully understand your doctor's instructions.

Here’s a great resource about exercising your right to ask questions and the type of questions you should ask your doctor:

“Exercising Your RIGHT to Ask Questions”
type2diabetes.com/living/questions-ask

#DiabetesType1 #DiabetesType2 #Diabetestype3 #lada #mody #prediabetes #GestationalDiabetes #JuvenileDiabetesType1 #HealthCare #HealthcareProviders #Advocacy #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Support #SupportGroups #MightyTogether