Monday, November 30th, brought a close to Diabetes Awareness Month. But for the millions of us with Diabetes, there is no close on Diabetes. It is a condition that requires constant awareness, heightened vigilance, and a focused approach.  We get no break or vacation from Diabetes.

I don’t say that to sound as though I am lamenting over the fact that I have Diabetes or have a feeling of dread or depression associated with Diabetes.  I say it to remind every body that we should all remain alert and and focused on our health, regardless of whether or not we have Diabetes.

I have never used my diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes as an excuse to allow myself to get down or depressed about it. Diabetes is a frustrating, aggravating, difficult and complex chronic disease to manage.  The good news is that Diabetes is manageable.  For me though, I see Diabetes as a blessing.  I will not tell you that I love having it, because I don’t!  But it’s all about the perspective YOU choose to have.  I can say that without Diabetes, my life would definitely be different.  I don’t mean less frustrating, less aggravating, less difficult or less complex.  Would life be better without Diabetes?  I can’t answer that question.  Life is life.  We will all have problems, frustrations, good times, bad times, happy and sad times.  Diabetes doesn’t add or subtract those things.  While I don’t love Diabetes, I do love my life, which includes Diabetes.

I am thankful when I look back and see how Diabetes impacted my life in a positive way.  Because of Diabetes, I became a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator and an Integrative Health Coach. With Diabetes, I met and married my best friend.  With Diabetes, I have been blessed with two wonderful children.  Diabetes has also allowed me to meet people, both personally and professionally,  that I would never have had the opportunity to meet.

I don’t just try to live with Diabetes, it is my goal to thrive with Diabetes!   I’ve had the diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes for just over 24 years now.  In that time, I have performed more than 44,250 Blood Glucose Checks, more than 35,400 insulin injections and lived 212,400 hours (or 12,744,000 minutes) of LIFE with Diabetes. It does not define me.  But it is a part of me and it help to make me a better person.

Again, it’s all about your perspective!

It’s Your Health. It’s Your Life. Make That Change!

~John