These Self-Care Strategies Helped Me Manage Type 1 Diabetes

From verywellhealth.com

By Keondra Jones

At 10 years old, I started to wet the bed. My mom took me to the doctor because I was drinking and urinating all the time. The paediatrician advised my mom to limit water after 8 p.m., but my thirst was unquenchable. I’d sneak into the bathroom in the middle of the night to drink from the faucet.

Along with being insatiably thirsty and urinating all the time, I began to lose weight and felt extremely fatigued. Seven months later, I was taken to the emergency room and admitted to the intensive care unit for two weeks with a blood sugar of over 800 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). This was when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

That was 24 years ago. Since then, diabetes has changed and evolved. We are more aware of the warning signs and symptoms and treatment options. However, many still do not understand that they can live a full life with it.

For me, I want to be part of the solution. Advocating for people with diabetes, listening with an empathetic ear, and empowering people through education feel like my calling. Everyone with diabetes should know there are no limitations to what they can do.

I’ve learned to do what I love and never give up hope. Here are my type 1 diabetes self-care strategies that I hope inspire you, too.

Strategy #1: Connect With Others

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes (at age 11), I felt alone and scared. One of my biggest concerns was standing out from my peers. In the beginning, it was impossible to escape my differences. The treatment regimen I was on forced me to eat multiple snacks daily to prevent low blood sugar. That meant I had to eat at designated times when others were not allowed. A snack table was dedicated just for me; I think some kids resented me for it.

I learned quickly, though, that I was not alone. I spent two weeks at Camp Nejeda, a summer camp dedicated to kids with type 1 diabetes; it was a pivotal moment for me. I was surrounded by kids just like me. It was the first time I witnessed other kids taking insulin. Even the animals had diabetes. This discovery meant that my journey with diabetes did not happen in isolation, and it was empowering.

Strategy #2: Empower Through Education

Throughout my diabetes journey, empowering myself and others has always been important and kept me motivated. I take great joy in educating and sharing my experiences with others. Education is crucial for diabetes management. I used the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and followed a few other people on Instagram who have type 1 diabetes for tips and ideas.

Being diagnosed at a young age meant I was always learning. I wish I had been more educated about hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) when I was younger. When my blood sugar is high, I get agitated and snappy. My mom says, “Check your blood sugar.” And sure enough, it is high. People who don’t know me may interpret my attitude as rude, but I explain it’s a side effect of my condition.

I hope my personal experience empowers others to take better care of themselves. When I become a social worker, I can educate and empathize with my patients on topics only a person with experience can understand.

I also want to educate people with diabetes about the seriousness of the condition. Without proper management, type 1 diabetes is dangerous (even life-threatening). Living a long and healthy life is possible with diabetes management.

Strategy #3: Do What You Love

Traveling is a passion of mine, but with diabetes, it takes more preparation and care. Instead of letting it derail me from traveling, I seize the opportunity. I make sure I have enough supplies, including snacks, to manage potential low blood sugar levels.

To prepare before flying, I have my doctor write a letter describing my condition and that I wear an insulin pump. This assists me if I am questioned or stopped during international travel. I also alert the airlines and hotel that I have diabetes and that I’m insulin-dependent, so they are aware if there is an emergency.

While this might sound like a lot to think about, diabetes hasn’t kept me from traveling. I’ve been to Costa Rica, Bahamas, Ireland, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Saint Marten, Antigua, Puerto Rico, Japan, Dominican Republic, Mexico (Tulum and Cancun), Jakarta, Barbados (where my family is from), and almost all of the Caribbean that you can think of. This year, I went to Bali for my birthday.

Strategy #4: Celebrate Progress

Treatment methods and technology for type 1 diabetes continue to evolve. I’ve seen tremendous progress in the past two decades, which has improved my quality of life. I progressed from multiple daily insulin injections and testing my blood sugar with a finger prick numerous times a day to using an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor.

Today, I manage my diabetes using various forms of technology and eating nutritious meals. Diabetes is like anything else in life–if you put the work in, you will reap the benefits.

I hope to advocate for a cure. I’d like to see more efforts at a high level supporting and allocating funding to find a cure like stem cell research. I hope to be part of that solution.

For anyone newly diagnosed or caring for someone with diabetes, know that you are not alone.

Strategy #5: Never Give Up Hope

Diabetes diagnosis and treatment methods have come a long way in the last 24 years. In addition to these advancements, my commitment and hard work allow me to thrive with type 1 diabetes. For anyone newly diagnosed or caring for someone with diabetes, know that you are not alone. With the right education and management strategies, you can live a full life with diabetes.

Use technology as an aid, connect with people like yourself, and get educated on your disease. Travel the world (if you choose) or do anything your heart desires. There are no limits to the things you can do. 

Meet the Author

Keondra “Kiki” Jones has been living with type 1 diabetes for 24 years. She is in school to become a social worker to help empower women and others with diabetes to live a full life.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/type-1-diabetes-self-care-8416734