As an incredibly fit and healthy individual, people are often surprised to learn that I have Type 1 diabetes.
They usually don't understand the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how the former is not caused by an unhealthy lifestyle.
In this blog post, I want to share my story of being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the challenges I've faced, and how I've turned this condition into a source of strength and inspiration for others.
The Diagnosis
It's been almost 10 years since I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
The journey started in March 2013, after I had just won a small CrossFit competition.
I felt different after the competition, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what was wrong.
Over the next few days, I started losing weight and drinking a lot of water, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom. This pattern continued for about two weeks.
When I lost 15 pounds in a short period, I realized something was seriously wrong.
I went to the hospital, where I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.
My blood sugars were so high they couldn't even be measured, and my vision was significantly impaired.
Facing the Challenges
The doctors believed that I had been in a diabetic state for six months to a year before my diagnosis.
In hindsight, I remember feeling off, with weird sensations in my eyes and lethargy, but I had just attributed it to hard work and intense training.
After being diagnosed, I had to relearn my body.
I took a break from working out for about a month, as I was afraid of the unknown.
I didn't know what high or low blood sugar felt like, and I was scared of what might happen during a workout.
Finding Strength and Inspiration
Eventually, I decided to get back into working out and, over time, I was able to rebuild my strength and fitness.
I started an Instagram account to share my journey, including my experiences with diabetes and my past drug addiction.
One day, I received a message from a parent of a Type 1 diabetic child, who said that their son wanted to be like me when he grew up.
This message made me realize that what I initially perceived as a curse had turned into a blessing.
I continued to share my story and received more messages from people who were inspired by my resilience.
Living with Type 1 Diabetes
Ten years later, my life has changed for the better.
While there are days when managing Type 1 diabetes is challenging and frustrating, I've learned to accept and deal with the condition.
It's important to remember that having diabetes does not mean you can't do the things you want to do in life.
While it may be more complicated at times, you can still achieve your goals.
Conclusion
My experience with Type 1 diabetes has taught me the importance of sharing hardships and inspiring others.
If you're interested in learning more about how I manage my diabetes, build muscle, and live a fulfilling life, let me know in the comments.
I hope my story encourages you not to let diabetes or any other challenges hold you back from accomplishing your dreams.
Remember, you can achieve anything you set your mind to, despite the obstacles you may face.
