Kacey

Kacey's story...

In July of 2008 at the age of 8, I was diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes. I spent 3 days in the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) because I was so sick. I was only 24-48 hours away from going into a diabetic coma. Life for me and for my family was never the same. Since then, daily life for me has revolved around the many tedious and painful tasks associated with diabetes. Like every person with Type 1 Diabetes, I must check my blood sugar at least 10-12 times a day. I must count every carbohydrate that I eat and give myself insulin every time I eat. I was getting about 8 shots a day but in March 2009, I got my first insulin pump. I am now able to give myself insulin with the press of a button. The insulin enters my body through a small cannula in my skin. The infusion set gets changed every 3 days. These tasks go on 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at school, on vacation, on holidays, when I’m sick, and when I’m playing. It doesn't stop. I do these things to not only keep myself alive, but to ward off the devastating complications that can arise from out of control blood sugar; eye disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. Every family touched by diabetes must do the same. Luckily, for me, we do have the technology that allows me to live a pretty normal life. I love to ride my bike and play with Littlest Pet Shops. I enjoy long days at Busch Gardens and I enjoy playing with my friends. But diabetes is always there! Swings in blood sugars affect my daily performance and attitude, so I have to constantly check my sugar, take my insulin, watch my activity & food and find a good balance. At school, I test my blood sugar 3+ times a day, often missing out on valuable class time. Just a simple bike ride requires carrying supplies of fast acting glucose, a water bottle and my blood sugar monitor. So while my life is just like any other 10 year old, and I rarely complain about my diabetes, I must constantly be alert, constantly be on guard, because diabetes is always there.

Kacey
2012 Ambassador
Virginia

kacey@thediabetesdude.com

Please also visit my blog:

www.diabetes-sweeties.blogspot.com