Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Hello, my name is Nic. And I'm a Diabetic.

Yesterday, I did something I haven't done in quite some time. I went to an endocrinoligist, or what I like to think of as "the hormone doctor".

I'm a Type I Diabetic. Many who read this blog probably already knew that. If you are one of those who's been reading that I don't know personally - please leave a comment. I'd love to know how many people actually read this thing.

I've read a lot of articles and interviews with diabetics, and it seems like so many let the disease become the focus of their lives. I remember reading one where a woman refused to take a 2-week vacation because she couldn't get enough backup supplies to last for a month. In Las Vegas, which is technically in the middle of the desert, but I'm pretty sure they have pharmacies in Vegas.

I feel that having diabetes is part of who I am, but it doesn't define me. Yes, I have to watch what I eat. So should anyone trying to be healthy. I have to take shots before every meal - no big deal. It's over and done with in about 3 minutes. I take Gatorade (or Powerade, or Generic-Sports-Drink-Ade) when I work out in case my blood sugar gets low. Just like most people working out. I wear a medic-alert necklace that would let someone know of my condition, in the case of an emergency.

But that's about it. I don't let it run my life, or ruin my plans. I just have to make adjustments when they come up.

I hadn't gone to the doctor in a while, because I've been without medical insurance for the past 3 years. I finally got insurance and can afford to go to the doctor, and my insulin and supplies aren't going to cost a fortune. It's a good feeling. In fact, paying for my diabetic necessities is now relegated to a financial "annoyance" status, instead of a financial "oh crap I can't afford to fix my car because then I can't buy my insulin" situation. Which is just how I like it.