My name is Melissa and 8 years ago I was brought to Winthrop Hospital because my blood sugar was in the 300’s, when it should be in the range of 80-120. I had officially been diagnosed with T1D. This meant that my body was attacking the beta cells in my pancreas. Essentially, my body was “killing” my pancreas. Don’t worry, I don’t have a shriveled up pancreas in my insides. I just have a useless pancreas. My pancreas was slowly shutting down and stopping its production of insulin. Over time my pancreas slowly descended into a failure of an organ. I spent a weekend in the hospital having my blood sugar tested and given shots when I ate to keep my blood sugar low. Ever since then I have pricked my finger 3-6 times a day, given myself a dose of insulin every time I ate, changed my pump site every three days, been given insulin all day, and had 40 doctor visits just for diabetes alone.

Whenever people hear I have this disease I get three different questions:

1- Was it from eating too much?

2- I’m so sorry. Are you okay?

3- Oh my grandpa’s friend’s son’s stepfather’s daughter has it. I know all about it.

So here are my answers

1- No you ignorant fool that’s type 2 diabetes. Learn the difference.

2- It’s not a death sentence, I’m fine

3- K

While I appreciate the sympathy, I don’t need it. I’m strong and used to having diabetes . I can handle hearing “damn that sucks” or “that must be hard.” Yeah it does suck and it is extremely hard and I need so many “things” to keep me alive. Seems extreme, but to be blunt, if these were not invented yet, literally would not be alive. This is a curse but it’s also a blessing. I’m not glad I have it, but I’ve met so many amazing people from it, and oh right, that camp I go to? Yeah that’s a diabetic camp, so it stinks for all of you people without diabetes (kidding).

This disease is so serious and so detrimental to those with T1D and their families. It’s time to be proactive and raise money to improve the lives of those with T1D and eventually exterminate this horrible disease. Please help me support Breakthrough T1D’s Fund A Cure Campaign and help me beat this disgusting disease.

Please consider making a Fund A Cure donation in honor of Melissa and others living with T1D by clicking here.