How it all started

At the age of 11, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The symptoms were very subtle to start with. Sheer exhaustion was the first to hit me. My mother began to question ”why was I always tired?” I went to the doctors and was told I was anaemic and needed iron tablets. I took them but still the tiredness continued. A few weeks later, the symptoms came on rapidly over a course of a week. I was constantly exhausted, carrying 2Litre bottles of water around with me unable to quench my never ending thirst. Waking up several times during the night became routine and not to mention the drastic weight loss which occurred over that week. I was a walking skeleton!!

Diabetes is a common trait with the women in my family which made both me and my mother more aware of some of the symptoms at the time. Knowing some of these symptoms are really important as it can affect anyone of us and it may make a difference in saving someone’s life. But to this day, I still believe that the little knowledge and experience we had helped us take action which helped me get the treatment that I needed.

My diagnosis at such a young age was a great shock and difficult to understand at first. I knew that I had to accept and deal with it if I wanted to be healthy. I can honestly say that I’ve had a great support network from my family, friends and some of the nurses and doctors. On the other hand, even with their support I’ve still had my ups and downs and ultimately I’ve realised that it’s my diabetes and my responsibility. I’ve learnt that my condition is something that I shouldn’t hide from or be ashamed of, but something that is a part of me but does not define me. Living with type 1 diabetes, even with its difficulties, I can definitely say that it has taught me the virtue of patience and being patient.

Diabetes UK have a campaign which is designed to raise more awareness for Type 1 diabetes. Its called 4T’s.

4Ts A4 Poster

Please click on the highlighted link above, print and post the poster somewhere so everyone can see it and learn these symptoms. Thank you.