Letter writing day - Tuesday 5/10: In February the Wego Blog Carnival asked participants to write letters to their condition. You can write a letter to diabetes if you’d like, but we can also take it one step further. How about writing a letter to a fictional (or not so fictional) endocrinologist telling the doctor what you love (or not) about them. How about a letter to a pretend (or again, not so pretend) meter or pump company telling them of the device of your dreams? Maybe you’d like to write a letter to your child with diabetes. Or a letter from your adult self to the d-child you were. Whomever you choose as a recipient, today is the day to tell them what you are feeling.

I was going to write a letter to diabetes. but I changed my mind when I received an email from the SisterMatch Program through Diabetes Sisters. I had been placed with a match! It's funny because I applied this program before I found the DOC. I almost completely forgot I even wanted this. Let me tell you my match is amazing! She is so awesome and I am so happy we were put together. For some reason, I had imagined I would be the one who would be the one with less experience, (for some reason 7 years just didn't seem that long to me. To my surprise she is a newly diagnosed Type 1 in college. Therefore, she has inspired me to change my post and I plan on sending it to her.
Here is a picture of me right before I was diagnosed.

Dear 15 Year Old Lauren,


I want you to know that everything is going to be alright. First off, you get into your dream College and dream program. You have lots of friends and family who are there for you and a great boyfriend. You graduate from college, land a job that you can't believe you got and overall you have done everything you have hoped for yourself at 22.

I know you're scared. I know you feel alone. The doctors are telling you that you will go home tomorrow, but they are lying. They know you will be here for a week. I know you'd rather know the truth.

They only yell if they don't see the instant results that you yourself want to see as well. Those who yell are you are only trying to help you. Those who try to scare you into caring for yourself are just trying the only way they know how to help. Acceptance is the key and you will one day do just that. It will be a while before you accept this disease, but I encourage you to reach out to the DOC as soon as you can. They are the key.

The pump is not something to be scared of, but excited about it! You are going to love it, I promise! I know it sucks having something attached to you 24/7, but it's better than shots. Just don't let them allow you to think this solves all your problems. Embrace the CGM. You are also going to love it. You are lucky that you have parents who are willing to provide you with all the tools of success. Take them up on it! I know it hurts and is uncomfortable at times, but it's worth it.

When you go low, you don't need to eat or drink everything in view. Stick to 15 grams of carbs and then wait 15 minutes. Waking up high never feels good. And in general, stay away from sugar free treats. NOT WORTH IT.

You are going to find the doctor that changes everything. You will gain control and you will feel better. I know this sucks and it is not ideal, but diabetes will NEVER get in your way.




Love, Lauren