When diabetes gets me down

Today we're very fortunate to feature a guest post from the warm and wonderful Jessica Collins from Me and D. She talks to us about those days when diabetes really gets her down and how she pulls herself back up. Since we're sure she's not the only one to feel this way, tell us - what do you do when you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed by life with diabetes? 

The morning started out well enough. I put in a new infusion set before heading to work. Spent all morning in the 180s, despite multiple corrections. Sometimes that happens, so I didn't think too much of it. 

Then I had lunch. And bolused for all my carbs. Only my body didn't get the memo. I looked down to see double up arrows on my CGM. And discovered I had small ketones. So frustrating! 

Thankfully, I was able to run home, change, my set, and grab a vial of insulin and some syringes just in case. I was so happy when I started seeing down arrows! 

If you have Type 1 diabetes, then you have days like this. Days where you are SO SICK of diabetes. I was done. Just done. Sometimes, diabetes makes me want to give up. I throw my hands up in the air and shout, "Ok, diabetes, you win! I give up!" 

Only I can't give up. Living with this disease is hard. Sometimes, diabetes gets me down. And it takes a while to work my way back out of it. 

There are days like this one when I was upset because of a specific incident. Stupid non-absorbing infusion site. But other times, I just feel so overwhelmed by trying to take care of this disease 24/7/365. 

What do I do when this happens? I have a choice. I can stuff it all inside, hide my emotions, and try to act like everything is fine. But I know this is not a healthy thing to do. 

Instead, I try to reach out. I call my husband. I text my mom. I send a tweet. I read a blog post. I watch a You Can Do This video. 

And I feel better. Encouraging words from my husband. An "I'm so sorry. I love you," response from mom. A tweet from a friend. Reading about the adventures of someone else dealing with diabetes. Watching someone tell me on camera, "You can do this!" 

Reaching out reminds me that I am not alone. And that I won't feel this way for ever. Sometimes, diabetes gets me down. But I know there are people ready and willing to help me back up again.