DIABETESx2

Welcome to the Diabetesx2 website!

My name is Shirley-Anne.  I have had Type 1 diabetes since 1986 which makes it 27 years and counting!  I was diagnosed during my 2nd year of college, at the age of 20. Back then, it was still considered uncommon for a adult to be diagnosed with "juvenile diabetes" as it was mostly young children that developed this form of the disease.  I was started on insulin shots immediately and got a crash course in managing my diabetes.  I was shown how to test my blood glucose level, how to eat properly, was told about the severe complications and dangers of high and low blood sugars, and was given follow-up appointments with a specialist.  There was very little in the way of resources or support so I was pretty much on my own.  But I survived and survived successfully!  I have travelled the world, had a exciting career in the film/entertainment industry, became a Taekwondo Black Belt, and got married and had 2 children!  Diabetes didn't stop me from doing any of these things.  I was managing my diabetes well, and had not developed any complications (knock on wood). However, my world did come crashing down when my 3 year old son was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.  Diabetes was no longer just my problem.  It now affected my son, and therefore, our whole family.  I can't explain in words how hurtful it was that my child now had to deal with this lifelong disease.  I will never get over that hurt and my husband describes it (the day of diagnosis) as "the worst day of his life".  I know that any other parent who deals with this situation or a similar situation can relate.  But it changed our lives completely.  It was one of the reasons I became involved with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) as a advocate, mentor, fundraiser, and support group leader.  I had to leave my career in the film industry (long hours meant I couldn't be around enough to help my son manage his diabetes), so I went back to school and am now working as a Special Education Assistant, helping children with special needs and physical disabilities, like Type 1 diabetes, in the public school system. Through this blog, I can share my experiences with family, friends, and the diabetes community.  I hope you will find it educational, inspiring, enlightening, and entertaining as I post about living with and parenting a child with Type 1 diabetes.  I am a true believer in the power of positive thinking.  Living with T1 diabetes can be very difficult and challenging, especially for children and their parents (particularly during those first few years of diagnosis), however maintaining a positive outlook, taking it day by day, and doing the work necessary to control your T1 diabetes will give you the tools to battle this disease!  Work closely with your diabetes team and educate yourself on the management technologies available (insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, smart BG meters, BG apps, multiple daily injections, etc.) which can help you achieve optimum control.  You can live well with T1 diabetes and avoid developing complications ... the power lies within you!  Thanks for reading!

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