Alyssa's Story
At eight years old, kids do not have big responsibilities. They do not drive, have a job, or struggle with responsibilities because their responsibilities are very slim. They only real worry they have is what they are going to eat next. Unless you are eight years old and have been diagnosed with type one diabetes your responsibilities become greater. I was diagnosed in March of 2008 at eight years old. Over the past few years, my disease has not just been a disease, it has lead me to make friends, learn about myself, and become independent.
I always said I wanted to go to the University of Georgia. My first time being on UGA’s campus was to attend a Dawgs 4 Diabetes event. It is called “The Campus Tour: A Diabetes Perspective”. This was a time for my parents and I to learn how to take on college with diabetes. I talked to other diabetics and asked them what to expect, how they might have adjusted, and anything I could think of involving college and diabetes. My parents were more worried than I was though. They asked the same questions I did but to the parents of other diabetics. When I came to this event I had no idea that two years later I would be a part of this organization. I have met at least 15 diabetics just like me. The president of Dawgs 4 Diabetes, Riley Jenkins, is a junior and she has an insulin pump called the T-Slim and another machine called the Dexcom that allows her to only check her blood sugar only twice a day because the Dexcom gives her very accurate numbers of what her blood sugar is at the moment without a single finger prick. Riley has influenced me to try new technology that can help me become a healthier diabetic.
Since Riley has influenced me to try new technology, I had to consult with my Endocrinologist first. My Endocrinologists’ name is Dr. Quinton Van Meter. He knows all about the latest technology in the diabetes world. I go see Dr. Van Meter every three months. These appointments usually consist of me getting asked questions like, “Do you eat three meals a day?”, “Do you go to the bathroom often?”, etc. Then there is the dreaded talk about my A1C. An A1C is an average of the past three months’ blood sugars. This Thanksgiving break I had an appointment, and my A1C was not good. My blood sugars have been high, and it is because of the transition to college. My visit to the endocrinologist was a definite wakeup call though. When my blood sugars are high I feel bad, I am lazy, and it is not a happy life. I started to not check my blood sugars as often as I am supposed to because my class schedule is crazy and I “don’t have time”. This doctor’s appointment helped me get my head out of the clouds. I want to be healthy and feel good all the time. A week after my appointment I have used less insulin each day, had more blood sugars in the 100’s, and I have felt more energized all because of the reality check! I am still learning to be more responsible and independent though!
Ever since I was diagnosed in 2008 I have been very independent. I counted carbs, gave myself shots, which most eight year olds would not do, and I was aware of how I was feeling at all times. I was aware of how I was feeling because if I ever started to feel shaky that meant my blood sugar was getting low, and I needed apple juice to bring my blood sugar back up. If I ever started to feel like I was getting a headache or had a bad taste in my mouth, then that meant I needed to get insulin in my body because my blood sugar was running high. There were times when I was a teenager that I had to order insulin and other diabetic supplies by myself after I learned how to from my mother. Now that I am in college I am learning to do all of that on my own. I have even learned to communicate with those around me to make sure they are aware that I am diabetic. I feel like it is annoying to some people, but it is what I have learned to do just to be on the safe side.
Even though diabetes requires a lot of pokes and pricks there is a bright side to it. Before I came to UGA it was not often that I got the chance to talk to other diabetics like myself. The past 10 years have not been easy, but they have definitely been a learning experience that has taught me from the start to be responsible. That means checking my blood sugar and giving myself insulin no matter how stressful college can get. My health is just as important as my grades!
Alyssa Paul