To Diabetes,

If I could write you a letter, here’s what I’d want you to know:

You showed up when I was 20… just as I thought I was figuring out life as an adult.

I’m Hudson. Getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at 20 completely flipped my life upside down.

At first I felt overwhelmed, frustrated, and unsure of what my life was going to look like. I had watched my little sister Juniper live with it the last 9 years but still, I had no idea what my life would now look like.

But now I can look back and see you’ve actually taught me how strong and adaptable I can be. Every win — big or small — reminds me that I’m still in control.

My biggest support system has been my family and the people in the diabetes community who just get it. Strength for me looks like checking my glucose levels, trusting my Dexcom G7, and choosing to keep showing up even on the hard days.

You’re part of my story, but you’re not the whole thing.