personal experiences & insights

Living with type 1 diabetes can be a rollercoaster ride, filled with challenges and unexpected moments. It can be overwhelming at times, but there's a unique perspective that comes with navigating diabetes.

For me, dealing with low blood sugar events is far more frightening than high blood sugar. The risk of unconsciousness adds an extra layer of fear.

I remember one experience that left a profound impact on me. During a doctor's appointment, I was eagerly anticipating receiving a new insulin pump after waiting for nearly two years. The excitement was palpable, but as the sessions began, I felt something was not right.

During the first session, while practicing using the insulin pump, the instructor was explaining everything at a breakneck pace. I started to get nervous, worried that I wouldn't understand how to use the new device. Suddenly, I felt dizzy and had to sit down. Confusion hit me, and voices became loud and jumbled together. My body was losing energy, and my skin and tongue turned pale. I was struggling to regain control.

I heard distant voices calling out my name, and I thought it was my mother. She told me to stay with her. I tried to keep my eyes open, afraid that if I closed them, I would never open them again. The room began to crowd, and I could feel the nurses and doctors around me.

Despite my blood sugar being within a normal range, doctors suspected a low glucose event due to my symptoms. They gave me a sugary drink while surrounded by concerned medical professionals trying to wake me.

This experience left me wondering about my body's reactions and searching for answers. Navigating diabetes has heightened my self-awareness. I've learned to pay closer attention to my body's signals and trust my instincts. Reflecting on these experiences has taught me to embrace challenges and find lessons even in difficult situations.

art by : Maryam Alzahmi