On this day 6 years ago everything changed. I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 33. It was a slow onset, very likely LADA that had developed into Type 1 at the point I was diagnosed. I had been experiencing many typical Diabetes symptoms for a few years when I think back. Being thirsty all the time, peeing a lot, losing weight, repeated infections, extremely tired at times. I remember I started taking caffeine pills at some point to try to get some energy (though I don’t drink coffee). Nothing could quench my thirst at times and I don’t know how many times per day I had to go pee. At least there was finally an explanation for all these symptoms.
It wasn’t easy, there is a lot to learn when you receive a diagnosis for a chronic illness you don’t know much about. I asked myself: Did I eat too much candy or do something to bring this on? Does this mean I can’t eat sweets anymore? The answer is no, it doesn’t work like that. It’s an auto-immune disease that’s not preventable and the cause is unknown. Now I have to remind myself of how little I knew about Type 1 at the time and when people ask me now about something that sometimes feels silly, I remind myself that I would have asked those same questions a few years ago. I will gladly educate others about Type 1 and answer all their curious questions.
In 6 years a lot has changed. In 2016 I started using the Omnipod insulin pump that gave me more flexibility and freedom for my lifestyle without needing multiple injections per day. In 2017 I started using the Dexcom which makes my life so much easier. I can’t imagine going back to pricking my finger multiple times a day and not knowing what’s happening with my blood sugar in between.
Modern diabetes technology gives me so much better quality of life. However the devices tend to look quite boring and medical out of the box. I started Pimp My Diabetes, an online store to give fellow diabetics the confidence to show off their devices with style and not to feel like they have to hide them.
Thank you all for following my journey.
Edda – founder of pimpmydiabetes.com
Edda
I have been running my online store Pimp My Diabetes since 2017. My goal is to help diabetics feel confident with showing off their diabetes devices and adding a bit of fun and color to the everyday diabetic life. As an Omnipod and Dexcom wearer, I love decorating my devices with colorful designs. It makes me feel a little better about my disease.
