14/11/2025
My Journey with Diabetes
Diabetes has always played a big role in my life.
My dad was Type 1, and one of the first things I learned as a child was what to do if he had a hypo. It can be quite scary as a child to see someone you love in that situation. My dad was only 8 when he was diagnosed, and over the years diabetes led to other health complications. It had a huge impact on my childhood and I grew up with a constant fear of losing him.
I thought I understood diabetes… but when I was diagnosed myself at 41, I quickly realised I had no idea just how hard it is to live with it.
It literally rules your life; one of the first things I do when I wake up is check my blood sugar, and the last thing I do before bed is the same. I inject with 2 types of insulin five times a day and constantly have to think about what I’m eating, how much energy I’ll use, and plan ahead for everything.
Gone are the days when I could just grab something to eat without thinking. For someone who’s never been much of a planner, that’s been a big adjustment! But diabetes has taught me a lot about self-care and putting my health first.
When I first came home from the hospital, I remember being scared to go to sleep. I’d seen my dad have hypos in his sleep, and I knew the risks. At the time, I was also caring for my mum, who was bedbound and unable to move. I used to sleep on the floor next to her bed in case she needed help; but I couldn’t help thinking, what if I have a hypo and she can’t help me? It was the first time in my life I truly felt vulnerable.
Today, I’m deeply grateful that I was diagnosed later in life and got to experience my childhood without diabetes. I’m also incredibly thankful for the technology that helps me manage it now, tools I wish my dad had access to. They would have made such a difference to his life.
So this World Diabetes Day, I want to raise awareness, share my story, and acknowledge everyone living with this condition 💙
It’s not an easy journey, but it teaches strength, resilience, and gratitude in ways you never expect.