Hey diabetes – yeah, you, that thing that literally changed my life forever. I remember when we first started this journey together – it wasn’t an easy start, but then again you’re not always an easy thing to manage. I felt like I really had to change who I was in order to live with you; and even now, over a decade later, I’m still adjusting to how you fit into my life.

But there’s one thing that I can’t deny about you, diabetes, and that’s how you’re literally a part of me – not just the fact that you’re actually literally physically a part of me, but you’re actually part of my identity now. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing; after all, it’s because of you that I learned more about my body and myself than ever before. It’s because of you that I noticed the little ways that my loved ones cared for and connected with me whenever you even casually came up.

And how can I, a big gadget and tech guy, deny how cool it is that I have something so unique like a Dexcom G7 to keep track of you? I joke sometimes that I’m more of a cyborg with all of the tech that I’m wearing.

After learning that you were going to be part of my life, diabetes, it took a while to get used to it – but eventually, I thought of you as my body telling me what it really needs and inviting me to rise to the occasion. Remember that first 5K I ran? That was a big milestone and I think we should get back to doing those – after all, when I’m healthier, we’re kinder to each other.

But life is crazy, and it’s not like you take breaks – just like me. Every day is a challenge to be the best version of myself that I can be, but that also means that every day is an opportunity for success. So, even through the highs and lows, I know that I’m doing my best – and you’re not just along for the ride, you’re half the reason I’m trying to improve myself all the time. So, thanks, I guess.