"I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in February 2009, three months before my 5th birthday. My symptoms started a couple of months before my diagnosis: extreme thirst, weight loss, chronic fatigue, and frequent urination - I needed to go to the toilet every five minutes. My mom took me to the doctor, and they performed blood and urine tests.

As soon as we received the results, we rushed to the hospital. My blood sugar was about 1000 mg/dL (55.51 mmol/L), and I was in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). This led to a coma. 

After one and a half weeks, I woke up. All I remember was extreme hunger—I was so desperate that I started chewing on table legs. Now, I laugh about it, but back then, it was a nightmare. 

 

When I left the hospital, I received insulin pens and a glucometer. Insulin pumps weren’t widely available, and CGMs were not as technologically advanced as they are today, so my only option was to prick my fingers several times a day and record the results in a glucose tracker. 

 

After some time, I got my first insulin pump (we couldn’t get it in my country, so we had to buy it), and everyone was thrilled. But life wasn’t as colorful as it seemed.

When I started first grade, my whole world changed. I was severely bullied because of my diabetes. Kids told me I would infect them, laughed at me when I walked home from school, and, to make matters worse, their parents also joined in the bullying. I had to change classes, and eventually, I switched schools altogether. 

@insulinodependente sad but true #diabetes #type1diabetes #doabetic #insulinpump #fypシ #fyp ♬ bringing the era back yall - chuuyas gf

Along the way, I was also diagnosed with Celiac Disease. 

Because of the bullying and my inability to accept that I had a chronic illness, I stopped checking my blood sugar regularly - sometimes only once a day or even every three days - and I often skipped my insulin doses. I hated my diabetes. I hated myself for risking my health and my life, but everything felt overwhelming. 

 

By 2022, I had experienced DKA four or five times. 

 

Everything changed when I met other diabetics and realized I wasn’t alone in my journey. I saw that everyone with Type 1 Diabetes faces similar challenges every day. We’re all just trying to survive, and each of us is walking the same path. 

 

Diabetes will be with us for the rest of our lives, so we need to stop seeing it as an enemy and start treating it as a friend. We need to focus on the positive aspects it brings.

 

When I feel down or experience diabetic burnout, I ask myself these questions: Would I have such a strong community if I didn’t have diabetes? Would I be as empathetic if I didn’t have diabetes? Would I have helped so many people if I didn’t have diabetes? 

 

Now, I see my illness as a beloved friend, I am grateful for the community it has given me and for all new technologies. My journey with Type 1 Diabetes led me to become a psychodiabetologist. "

 

At Type One Style, we are incredibly proud of Julia for bravely sharing her journey with Type 1 Diabetes. Her story is a testament to the resilience and strength that comes from facing life's challenges head-on. Julia has not only navigated the complexities of managing a chronic illness but has also turned her experiences into opportunities to help and inspire others.

Living with Type 1 Diabetes is a profound challenge, and Julia's journey highlights the importance of community support and personal courage. Her willingness to open up about her struggles and triumphs offers hope and encouragement to others who might be feeling isolated or overwhelmed by their condition.

Julia's story reminds us all that while diabetes may be a part of our lives, it does not define us. We are a community bound by strength and compassion, ready to support each other in every step of our journey.

Let us continue to share, learn, and grow together, embracing each day with optimism and courage. Thank you, Julia, for showing us the way.