A journey begins with a single step and that is just how my life with diabetes began in 1966.  I had turned sweet sixteen, but little did I know that sweet would come to mean diabetes! I can’t imagine my life, if I were not a person with diabetes.  Diabetes has blessed me in countless ways.  It has meant that I have had to persevere and be disciplined even when it really would have been easier not to be.

It is important for every one to be able to have a community of support, which provides him or her with love, inspiration, humor, faith, and strength. One must think positively and keep focused on what is ultimately the key to sustaining a healthy and productive life.  Diabetes was the key for me, as it is for all of you.

My dreams kept me driven to succeed in all aspects of my life, especially diabetes.  Though managing diabetes has changed throughout the years, (blood glucose monitoring, insulin pumps, CGM, and carb counting), successfully managing one’s diabetes remains paramount with regard to how one’s dreams will be fulfilled. I surpassed my original dream of becoming an elementary school teacher.  I enjoyed teaching elementary school, prior to completing a master’s degree in Special Education, as well as a master’s degree in administration. Diabetes is easy compared to being a principal!

Medication, monitoring, healthy eating, and exercise are cornerstones to excellent diabetes management.  Exercise became a driving force behind successfully managing my diabetes.  I have been fortunate to be involved in the dance and exercise fields throughout my life, both as a student and teacher.  I currently work for an athletic club teaching aquatic group exercise classes, working in the Marketing Department, and providing support as a Health and Wellbeing Phone Coach.  The clients I service also indirectly provide me with necessary ongoing support.

Learning is a life-long process and diabetes is life-long. I have always explored opportunities to strengthen and build my knowledge as it relates to the newest developments in the field of diabetes’ research, as well as how advancements, such as an insulin pump or CGM can assist me in achieving the best A1C results.  My team of doctors, which as an individual with diabetes is extensive, has given me the tools, including but not limited to, education, guidance, and support in order to achieve both short and long term goals. It is said that there isn’t an “I” in TEAM, but when you have diabetes there is an “I”, and that is YOU!  You must put forth your personal best to achieve your diabetes personal best.

This spotlight would not be complete without highlighting, once again, the value of having support, as well as, sharing support. (DiabetesSisters is all about support…right?) I was invited to a local diabetes support group in 1972, and before I knew it, I was actively involved at several levels with the American Diabetes Association.  My volunteer work took me down many avenues including being selected as Northwest Suburban Branch President, newsletter editor, Member of the Board of Directors, Public Conference Chairperson and presenter, Diabetes Advocate, peer mentor, support group leader, Bike Ride Plus Chairperson, and recipient of the 1992 Volunteer of the Year Award. What I remember most from these experiences are all the people I met who inspired me to keep a positive outlook and see diabetes as an opportunity, not a challenge!

I thank DiabetesSisters for allowing me to share my diabetes journey.  DiabetesSisters has taken the support I am receiving and sharing to the next level. It is up to each of us to embrace our diabetes’ life and extend support, strength, determination, and love to one another.  I hope you will join our sisters and myself, as together we take the next steps and enjoy a healthy and happy life with diabetes!

I would like to dedicate this article to my husband, who always finds the silver linings in the clouds for me!