Help Us Change Ryan’s Odds!

Little did I know, the day I was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, that my life would change in so many ways. Each day I have numerous finger sticks, carb counting, correction factors, and I always think about how active I am being and how it could impact my blood sugar. Most 13 year olds don’t have to think of all these things just to eat a snack or a meal.

I always have to make sure I have a bag wherever I go with my tester, water, juice, snacks, glucagon pen and other supplies, just in case I need to treat a high or even worse, a low. Lately I don’t like to carry my supplies with me, everywhere, all the time. It’s annoying, and I really wish I could go out without them.

Testing my blood sugar in public is also hard because people don’t understand, and the blood freaks them out. My pump has alarms and alerts that go off in school and interrupt what I am doing. I wish more people knew what Type 1 diabetes is and how it works. It is a big relief when I meet people who know this disease. They understand the challenges I face every day.

I have been lucky to have friends who really care to learn about my diabetes and what it means to live with it each day. I never get a break from it, so having people who are supportive really helps a lot.

The craziest thing about having Type 1 is how so many things impact my blood sugar. I love snowboarding, lacrosse and swimming, but sometimes if I am really active for a long time, my blood sugar will go low hours later. I hate feeling low. It is such a horrible feeling. Usually I can’t move my legs, and I feel super tired. Other times, stressful situations and even just catching a cold can cause my blood sugar to go high.  So many things affect my blood sugar and how I feel.

The Breakthrough T1D is such a great organization, and the people and activities really help those living with this disease. Finding a cure would be such an amazing gift for all the people who are Type 1.

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