Life with Diabetes
I remember our first date, when at the end of dinner, my husband said to me, “There’s something I need to tell you.” Expecting something serious by the tone of his voice, I was prepared to hear about a criminal record or secret family. He proceeded to say, “I’m diabetic and I thought you should know.” That was a relief to hear, after what I had prepared for in my head.
Thirty years later, we’ve built quite a wonderful life together. I never was really concerned about being with someone who had diabetes. I quickly learned about insulin pumps, checking blood sugars, counting starches, and the effect of high and low blood sugars and the “warning signs” I needed to look out for. It wasn’t until a serious reaction at night which resulted in a 911 call that I realized how frightening this condition can be.
As a juvenile diabetic, my husband Todd wanted to support others impacted by this disease. He’s a natural leader and one that is active in his community and causes that are important to him. Early in our marriage we participated in the JDRF Walk and he became a member of our local Cosmopolitan Club. He loved the fact that the Cosmos supported awareness of diabetes and raised money to send children to Diabetic Camp. We had the privilege of meeting families with children diagnosed with diabetes and were able to be part of a program that allowed them to attend diabetic camp. Having three kids of our own, this was something that we really supported.
We’ve been blessed with three amazing children, and it was Todd’s greatest fear that one of our children would be diagnosed with diabetes, just as he was at the age of seventeen. It wasn’t uncommon for Todd to test their blood sugars, just to make sure there were no concerns.
On the 4th of July, 2014, his greatest fears became our reality. While enjoying time at our family cabin, Todd was the one who noticed some tell-tale signs that raised concerns about our youngest daughter, Jenna. That day, when he tested her blood sugars, they were extremely high. We quickly got in our car to drive three hours home, only to be told by our local clinic to “wait until Monday” to see our doctor. This was not an adequate response, so we reached out to some of the families we’d been able to meet through the Cosmos. We hopped back in the car and went to Sioux Falls, knowing they had a great pediatric endocrinology team.
Jenna was eleven and diagnosed that day with Type 1 Diabetes. This was a gut punch to us both, but especially to Todd. To this day, I know he feels guilt about perhaps “passing this down to her.” The way I see it, I’m grateful that he’s had thirty-seven years of experience and that he’s well-equipped to support her.
It is not easy being a parent of a child with Type 1 Diabetes. We’ve encountered a roller coaster of emotions and experiences due to this diagnosis. The teenage years are difficult enough, but to add on the additional responsibilities and feelings as a result of a chronic illness only complicate this time in one’s life. Camp Gilbert became a true blessing to Jenna and our family. Isn’t it ironic that the concept of diabetic camp was something we supported for so many years, and then to one day be on the receiving end of this blessing? Camp Gilbert was a place where Jenna could go and feel “normal” with this group of friends. As parents, we could sleep well at night, knowing that she was well cared for. Camp Gilbert is where she met and made lifelong friends, learned several valuable lessons on living with diabetes, and this last year was able to take on a new role of camp counselor.
Life with diabetes is hard. I’m not “living” with diabetes, but every day I live with diabetes. It directly affects two very important people in my life. It takes patience and understanding, constant surveillance, and watching for the “queues” of high and low blood sugars. We never know what curveballs life will throw at us; I guess I’m grateful that this is a curveball thrown my way. While I wish they weren’t faced with this disease, I know that with modern medicine and the ability to support one another, we’ll make the best of it. Both are amazing individuals with the ability to influence others and be involved in their community. Despite the struggles we have had, these two treasured family members have been put on this earth by God for a purpose. They are living full lives with diabetes and will continue to support others who are impacted. We are hopeful to find a cure. I’m grateful to have a husband who has persevered and serves as a valuable resource for our daughter. This is something our family has lived with, is our “norm,” and is just one of those curveballs thrown our way.
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