Inspiration : Dia-buddies

It has been 10 years since I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and it hasn't been until recently that I have been more willing to share my disease, especially through this blog (I bet only a handful of people at my work/gym know I am diabetic).  There were a couple people I was lucky enough to meet that helped guide and provide inspiration as both were diabetes advocates in there own sense.  Both of them embraced diabetes as best as they could and encouraged me to as well.  

I met a great friend only months after I was diagnosed in the college dorms who was my go to for all diabetes related questions, since she had great insight into the disease from being diagnosed as a child.  She was more helpful than any specialist doctor.  She provided better real life tips, would spare BG meters and extra insulin.  She was always the one I would go to for drinking tips and guidelines.  One time she even shared her trick of how to get out of having to go to the drunk tank, if I ever needed it :)  Now she is an endocrinologist!  

Later after college, I met another girl through a co-worker who was very active within the diabetes community and my co-worker sent me a link to check out her blog - www.irunoninsulin.com.  I met her a couple times and she actually planted the seed in my head for this blog!  She has great insight into the disease, the community and the advocacy of diabetes.  When we met, she actually asked me to make a guest post, to provide a male perspective for her readers. The title of my post was, "Bring Back the Fanny Pack" in September 2009.  One quote of hers really stands out (see below).  There are many stats that diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, limb amputation, this/that and the other.  That is why I like the quote so much!  Don't be a statistic!