I was diagnosed with T1 diabetes when I was in my 4th month of pregnancy with my first child, Ruby. I was 33. Luckily for me, I had an excellent endocrinologist at the time who recognized immediately that it wasn’t gestational diabetes, so I got onboard with MDIs and strict carb counting right away. Why did I already have an endocrinologist? Well, I was diagnosed with acute onset Grave’s Disease when I was 22. Grave’s is autoimmune just like T1, except your body attacks your thyroid instead of your beta cells. So, now I’m down a pancreas and a thyroid. Immune System: 2, Julie: 0
I’m habitually organized (ok, ok probably a little OCD) and I think numbers are cool. More than that, I think patterns are cool, so you could say I was born with part of the skillset to help manage my T1. However, I also believe that no matter how good (or not so good) your system is working (diabetes management or otherwise), there are always unknowns; new challenges and variables to consider; room for trial and error; revision and improvement…life is iteration.
So, what part of my D-management skillset is currently most lacking? I tend to be an introvert. In steps this blog: It’s my way of reaching out into the community instead of simply observing from the sidelines.
Just the Facts Jack:
- I’m a scientist, medical writer, project manager, and web coordinator with degrees in Biology and Forensic Science, and I’m half way through an MPH focusing on Epidemiology.
- I’m lucky enough to have a loving husband, Ben, and two healthy, sweet children Ruby (8) and Beckett (3).
- In addition to diabetes, I tend to advocate for lifestyles involving healthier eating and less-processed foods. I believe the obesity epidemic is very real and very dangerous, especially for children.
- My vices include red wine, dark beer, movie theater popcorn, and lipgloss (seriously, if I even think I left my lipgloss at home my lips are suddenly, psychosomatically as dry as the Sahara!).
- I’ve always had a little inside joke with myself every time I refer to myself as a “T1” because “T1” is also the name of the original (and somewhat clunky) generation of cyborgs in the Terminator movies (yup, from the 1980’s). For those of you non-sci-fi geeks out there, a cyborg (aka cybernetic being) is “a being with organic and artificial parts”. I don’t know about you but with all the infusion cannulas, CGM sensors, and medications that keep me alive, there are definitely days when I start to feel like I’m half-woman and half-machine. Ironic, huh?
Anyway, enough of all that sci-fi geek stuff! I’ll just leave you with a little pic of Arnold and me (in my full T1 regalia) from back in the day ;)
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by and following Intrepid Tales on Insulin. I reckon we share similar traits in terms of being organisy-types who say Boo Hiss! to processed foods!
cheers, Nat
Hi Nat! Thanks for the comment. Definitely looks like we have a lot in common (including our ages). I look forward to checking out your posts!
Hi Julie. Love your blog!
Hi and thank you! You and your family sound truly inspirational! Looking forward to hearing more on twitter.