Roxanna, from Brownsville, Texas, shares the story of her diagnosis—and how it changed her life.
My diabetes journey began in August 2016. I was 29 years old. Like many who are first diagnosed, I ended up in the hospital with high blood sugar, severe dehydration, fatigue and exhaustion.
“If you were my sister,” I recall my doctor saying, “I’d send you to the hospital.” And off to the hospital I went.
I remember that day like it was yesterday: the doctors, the nurses, the diabetes educator, the concerned look on my parents’ faces. I didn’t even know what diabetes was at the time, much less how it would change my life forever.
At the time of my diagnosis, I was also suffering from Crohn’s disease. A high dose of steroids to help manage my severe symptoms was the likely culprit, but it’s hard to say with certainty, as I had also experienced several instances of reactive hypoglycemia. Perhaps, diabetes was an inevitable part of my journey.
It’s been four years since my diagnosis. The journey hasn’t been easy; some days are great, others—not so great. The COVID-19 pandemic we are experiencing has been particularly challenging for me. A few months of stay-at-home orders led me down a path of bad habits: over-eating, over-snacking, not exercising, not taking my medication. In May 2020, I was admitted to the hospital again. This time, I spent a week in the ICU for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), an experience I don’t want to remember, but one I’ll never forget. Looking back, I realize it was a serious wake-up call I needed to start taking my health seriously.
My diabetes journey continues with a renewed focus on prioritizing my health through mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating habits, and making better, data-driven decisions. Today, I’m using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system that not only provides me real-time glucose data, but also gives me comfort and confidence as I try my best to manage this disease moving forward.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story, and I hope it helps a fellow diabetic along their journey.
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These are the personal experiences of individuals living with diabetes and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with qualified health care professionals to meet your individual health and medical needs.