Everyday is a Celebration of Life With Diabetes

Being diabetic is not without its challenges. Pregnancy was the hardest time for me because the mental, physical and emotional factors are all heightened. They are so intense that you can often feel alone before and after having the baby.
 
For me, seeking out a support network was vital. Connecting online is the best way, if you do not have local support. I found a super positive support group called the T1D Sugar Mommas, the group provides a warm nurturing environment online; exactly what a diabetic mum-to-be needs! Facebook and Instagram are great platforms to feel connected on a journey that can feel incredibly isolating. I am forever grateful for the positive advice amongst the group and I’m still a member today.
 
Focusing on your goals is important to help keep your sugar levels in range. I began to understand what foods would keep me in range and tried to stick to these most of the time. Breakfast consisted of eggs and vegetables for nine months. This would keep me in range and I’d start the day off feeling like a diabetic champion. Lunch or dinner on the other hand, could be quite a different story. If I indulged at lunch with a burger or fried rice, my sugar level could remain high for hours. The intense post-lunch guilt would ensure dinner was a much healthier choice! Let’s be real, naughty lunches didn’t occur everyday. I ate the same quinoa salad for lunch so many times I haven’t eaten it since I had my baby 7 months ago.
 
Last month I celebrated 21 years with diabetes – my diaversary. And let me tell you living a great life with diabetes - for 21 years - is worth celebrating!  I’m so proud of myself for rocking this condition. Having diabetes can feel like a full-time job and I work hard every minute of every day to keep my blood sugar levels in range, as do millions of other T1D’s.
 
I am so blessed to have two healthy sons (20 months apart), a supportive husband, inspire diabetics to live their best lives, write about cars, summit Kilimanjaro in 2015, travel the world, skydive (twice) and generally be a diabadass!
 
I deal with diabetes burnout by committing to mental and physical exercise. Supporting and trying to inspire others helps overcome feelings of being alone in my diabetic journey. I believe diabetes is my source of strength. And helping others feel great, be positive and know they have a friend where our common ground is T1D, is a beautiful thing.
 
Being grateful and connecting to your power within is a fantastic way to draw on your inner strength to remain positive. If I need an emotional pick me up, I exercise. Doing something physical first, kick starts a positive mindset. And it all begins with mindset. I tap in to how great I’ll feel after a yoga class and connecting with that feeling, helps get me out the door.
 
The more I choose to be happy, the happier I am. Choosing to be happy can take a little or a lot of effort. I try to let it take as little effort as possible. Focusing on what I want helps steer my brain in the right direction.
 
Go within for strength: meditate, go for a walk or do whatever exercise makes you feel happy. Seek support however you can. You don’t have to do this on your own.
 
And above all, celebrate a life well-lived, every day.