DiaStories: November Spotlight On Matt

The Lowdown -

1. What were some of your initial struggles with having diabetes?

The number one thing I struggled with was keeping my numbers stable. I was going through my honeymoon stage, so I had many more lows than highs. It was hard figuring out the snacks that I needed in order to get my numbers up to a comfortable level and keep them there.

2. Is there a story that comes to mind where you realized that having diabetes is really hard?

There were many occasions that I was extremely low and also very hungry at the same time, so I would raid the fridge or pantry and not take any insulin at all and my number would skyrocket. There was one time where I believed my number was 28 so my mother brought me so many snacks and then an hour later my number was up near 300.

3. What are some struggles that you still experience now?

A struggle that I still deal with today is keeping extra supplies on me at all times so I have a back up plan if plan A fails.

4. How have you dealt with these struggles?

I have dealt with these struggles by always keeping a vial of insulin with me, a couple of syringes, and fruit juice snacks on me when I am not at home.

Stay tuned for next week's installment of our November Spotlight, Damage Control.

DiaStories: November Spotlight On Matt

High & Dry -

1. Tell us about your diagnosis - what were your symptoms, how did you feel, did you know

something was wrong?

I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes when I was 13 years old. I was at a baseball tournament and was peeing way more than I ever had in my life. I was also very thirsty and was drinking a lot of water. I felt very tingly and uncomfortable. It was hard to breathe sometimes too. I was still very young and just assumed that nothing was wrong. However, my dad, who was with me the whole tournament told my mom, who had been going to nursing school at the time about what was going on. So she made an

appointment with my pediatrician.

2. What was your hospital stay like?

At my pediatrician's, my BG was 576 (which is extremely high) and that year was already not the best year for my family, so that was just the cherry on top. I stayed one week in Boston Children’s Hospital where the doctors and nurses taught me about diabetes and how to treat it.

3. What was your reaction when you found out you had diabetes?

I think the exact words out of my mouth when my pediatrician diagnosed me were, “What’s that?” (I think it’s fair to say that I have matured and know exactly what it is now). But I know my mother's reaction was a lot more colorful than mine. It was very scary.

4. How was your transition from the hospital to going home?

It was extremely tough because my whole lifestyle had to change. I have never been prescribed any medications before in my life and now I’m getting prescriptions every month, whether it’s vials of insulin or freestyle testing strips; it was all new to me.

5. How did life change in those first few months?

I began to eat a lot healthier, which brought me to my honeymoon stage of diabetes and experiencing way more lows than highs. I was a lot heavier than most kids my age back then so going through this stage made me lose a lot more weight and I got a lot taller. So as my body was changing, I had to adjust my basal rates and dosages. I think the hardest part was just telling my friends that I got diagnosed. I remember walking through my middle school with my parents and it was in the middle of a school day. All my friends were there and I had just missed a week of school because of this and I was not the most extroverted person.

6. Is there anything you'd like to share?

Don’t be scared to tell people about yourself because it is very important for people around you to do that in case of an emergency.

Stay tuned for next week's installment of our November Spotlight, Damage Control.

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DiaStories: October Spotlight On Jake

Calling the Shots

1. What would you tell your newly-diagnosed self now?

I would tell myself that everything is going to be okay and I can still do anything I want, just with some extra caution. Like anything, there will be good days and bad days that I will go through, but it will be Okay!

2. What would you tell others who are struggling with diabetes?

I would tell others that sometimes diabetes is a hard disease, and like anything, there are good days and bad, but a bad day isn't the end of the world. Make sure you have a good relationship with your endocrinologist and have a good support group around you to get through the tough days!

3. Are there any tips, tricks, and/or recommendations that you would like to share with us when it comes to diabetes?

Having a good relationship with your endocrinologist I think is the most important thing for T1D’s. I have been blessed to have such a good relationship with mine whether it was for help with my anxiety or help with marathon training, or even when I am low on supplies. She is always there for me, and I wouldn't be where I am without her!

4. Favorite food? Favorite low blood sugar snack? Favorite diabetes accessory/gadget?

My favorite foods are clams and oysters. My favorite blood sugar snack is red cream soda or sour patch kids. Lastly, my favorite diabetes gadget is my Dexcom. I love having the ability to look at my blood sugars 24/7!

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