January 10, 2010 

I cannot believe it has been 8 months since I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  I never thought I would say this, but the time has really flown by!  What a year 2009 turned out to be for me.  So far, 2010 is off to a good start.  I am so excited to be to be the next Type 1 Diabetes blogger! 

Last May I kept having reoccurring yeast infections.  I had never had a yeast infection before, much less one that was so persistent.  On my second visit to my primary care physician for the infection, I asked her if this could be a sign of something else.  I had read online that yeast infections were a symptom of Diabetes and questioned my doctor about this.  She said she thought it was very unlikely that I had Diabetes because of my ‘body type’ (obviously she was not very familiar with Type 1).   However, I was not leaving without something more than a prescription for Diflucan so she humored me and ordered some labs.   

Then in July 2009 I was reading a blog written by a woman with Type 1 and Celiac Disease (gluten intolerance).  In her blog, she urged people with Type 1 to get tested for Celiac Disease as they often go hand in hand.  So once again I emailed my endocrinologist and asked if I should get tested.  I had no symptoms and typically they only test newly diagnosed children with Type 1, but she obliged and I had my blood test.  That was positive too. 

I have learned many things this past year.  The most important lesson I have learned is to be your own advocate.  You know your own body better than anyone else.  Yes I was having yeast infections that lead to a diagnosis of Diabetes.  But I still have no symptoms of Celiac Disease.  Something just told me to pursue it.  I am thankful every day I did.  Now, I can avoid possible long-term complications by eating a gluten free diet.   

It is not easy having Diabetes and it is very inconvenient to have to eat a gluten free diet.  But I am starting to realize that as time passes, it gets easier and I am looking forward to 2010.  I am especially excited to share my experiences with women who truly understand and I hope to be able to learn from your experiences as well.