The wisdom of living 52 years with type 1 diabetes in a nutshell: Each day is a new day.

/ rivagreenberg

In two days, February 22, I’ll be “celebrating,” well acknowledging, 52 years with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Since I got it at 18, I have lived with T1D much longer than not. In reality, I have no memory of what it’s like to live without eye-balling carbs, checking my CGM, thinking ahead what and when I’ll be eating, will I be walking, oops that was stupid, etc, etc, etc.

If you think I have tons of wisdom to offer having lived 52 years with this, maybe I do. It would probably pour out of me if we were having a conversation. But since this is a one-sided conversation, here are my nuggets. Yes, they’re purposefully spare because it’s easier to remember a few things than memorize a living encyclopedia:

  1. Use a CGM if you can. If not, check your blood sugar before and two hours after meals and activity. Look for patterns to know better how to dose.
  2. Don’t beat yourself up for your numbers. Few will tell you this truth: You can’t “control” blood sugar. The body’s biological functions are not within your control, and life is unpredictable. You are responsible for your effort, but not your outcome.
  3. Make diabetes friends. No one else will “get it” the way they will, and those friends will put a little self-love back into your heart.
  4. Acknowledge T1D is tough, constant work. You don’t get any days off. In fact, you don’t make any progress, you just work hard not to digress too far. Not a pleasant thought, but the first time I heard it it rang so true. Given that truth, do the work and go easy on yourself. Celebrate the wins and see yourself in a constant experiment mode.

Yes, you thought there’d be five points, but those are the four that strike me this Tuesday afternoon. And here’s my ‘one thing I know for sure.’ When I change my routine, even after 52 years, it’s like I know nothing. Eating and exercising similarly day to day is definitely my special sauce. Case in point:

Routine

Whereas my recent trip to Costa Rica where my eating and exercise, being different and unpredictable, challenged all my “best” decisions

Closing thought, no matter where you are on this road, you’re still here. That’s a testament to all you’ve done.

Leave a comment