It's World Diabetes Day today and according to Diabetes UK, there are currently over 2.5 million people with diabetes in the UK. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes or know someone living with diabetes, you may have questions about how this changes things. In this article, 14-year-old Fibi Ward tells STREETBRAND all about living with diabetes and why she has written No Added Sugar to help other teenagers cope with living with diabetes.
Words: Fibi Ward
Saturday, 14 November 2009
I was diagnosed with diabetes in January 2008, when I was 13 years old. I have Type 1 Diabetes where there is too much glucose in my blood and I am not producing enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that lowers my blood sugar levels. I had to write a book on my experiences because I couldn't find the information that I was looking for. I wanted to know how to deal with diabetes in everyday life.
My diagnosis came completely out of the blue. The only symptom I had was a horrible, unquenchable thirst. I couldn't get my head around the fact that I would have diabetes for the rest of my life. I would need insulin injections four times a day.
I picked up on how to do my injections really quickly. However, when I got back home, I suddenly lost my confidence and I actually took nearly an hour to have my Lantus (insulin glargine injection).
I was told about hypos at the hospital, I was a bit scared. Being hypo means that my blood sugar level is too low. My first night-time hypo was horrible. Before I went to bed, my blood sugar was a bit low so I ate an ex
tra biscuit. I woke up several times during the night and was still tired in the morning. I was exhausted and my arms and legs were shaky. I couldn't go to school - I could barely sit up.
Exactly one month after I was discharged from hospital it was my friend's birthday. She had a house party on her birthday, and then at the weekend I was invited to go tobogganing and for a sleepover afterwards. I was still able to go to both parties, because I was careful to take my blood sugar readings and eat my snacks when it was necessary.
I have to remember to take my glucose meter, insulin, snacks, dextrose tablets, Glucogel and carb counting booklet. I need these wherever I go to make sure that I am prepared. I also have to remember to test my blood and eat regular snacks as well as counting any activities as exercise like dancing at a party.
My diabetes won't stop me from doing anything I would have done before; it just means I will have to plan a bit more.
Related stories:
Diabetes: the silent epidemic
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