My Diabetic Conditioning

---

I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was only seven years old. I still remember the day I went to the hospital like it was yesterday. It all started during a family gathering on Memorial Day weekend; my parents thought I was acting strange, so they decided to check my blood sugar. They were only aware of my symptoms because my little sister was also diagnosed with diabetes at a young age. I remember kicking and screaming, wishing that I didn't have to check my blood sugar level; it was so scary for me to have to undergo this strange process, like I had always seen my sister go through. Once my mom finally held me down, my dad got my blood glucose reading. It was 526. From the looks on my family members' faces, I knew that it wasn't good news. My mother went off crying and my father told me I would have to go to the hospital.

My mom and I rushed off to the hospital; it was such a terrifying experience for a second-grader to go through. I don't wish this upon anyone. My dad and sister were not far behind us, and they met us there at the hospital. The doctors held me in the hospital for a couple of days for obervational and learning purposes; I was awakened every few hours during the night to have my blood checked - not fun but my mom was right there by my side, reassuring me that it would be okay. My family visited me in he hospital and it was so good to see some familiar faces! My second grade teacher even came to visit me, and my class had made "Get-Well Soon" cards for me - I was so grateful.

When we finally came home from the hospital, my whole life started to change. I couldn't eat all the things I once loved. I couldn't just go eat something; I had to check my blood sugar and take insulin shots for the food I was about to eat. Adjusting to this new way of life was difficult at first, and I hated what had happened to me. Now, eleven years later, I just accept the fact that I have ths terrible autoimmune disease but I choose to deal with it instead of neglecting to take care of myself.

Even today sometimes I still have new challenges to overcome, but I know that I'll be able to get through it - thanks to all of my supportive family and friends. I got an Omni-Pod insulin pump about five years ago - the first wireless one to come out- and it gives me so much more freedom compared to the insulin shots. I am currently attending Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts and I couldn't be healthier (besides the matter of Diabetes)! Every day I hope for a cure, and the researchers out there are coming so close to finding one! Don't give up hope and keep fighting the good fight!