Diabetes,

Almost 15 years ago, you changed my life forever. I was 10 years old…. scared, confused, and wondering why this had to happen to me. Honestly, I hated you. I hated the constant finger pricks, the insulin injections, counting every single carb, and the sleepless nights. I hated not being able to eat what my friends were eating. But more than anything, I hated feeling alone.

For years, I struggled to accept that you were part of my life. In 2019, I remember getting my first Dexcom CGM and not having to prick my fingers a million times a day anymore. But even then, I also remember trying to hide my diabetes. I didn’t want people seeing my devices or knowing I had Type 1. Then something started to change. The more I saw other people proudly wearing their Dexcom CGMs, the more comfortable I became wearing mine. Something I used to be embarrassed about slowly became something I was proud of. I went to college, started sharing my story online, and discovered something I wish that scared 10 year old boy had known. I was never alone.

I never imagined I’d be sharing my story with thousands of people, meeting others who understood exactly what I was going through, and finding a community that would become such an important part of my life. Today, I’m a water skier, a mentor, a Dexcom Warrior, and someone who loves living life to the fullest with diabetes. My family, my friends, and this incredible diabetes community have helped me become the person I am today. And while I still have difficult days, I’ve learned that I’m so much more than my diagnosis. So, diabetes, I spent years wishing you weren’t part of my life. But looking back, you’ve connected me with some of the most incredible people I’ve ever met. You’re part of my story. But you’ll never be my whole story.