Diabetes,

When we first met, I was only eight, and honestly, my first impression was that you’re scary… REALLY scary.

Hospitals, new doctors, new rules, new words I had never heard of. And even worse than all of that, I had to take SHOTS. Four times a day!!!!

There were so many sleepless nights for all of us as we learned to manage my glucose levels and what I should and shouldn’t eat. You really came with a learning curve for all of us. Would I ever be able to hang out with my friends alone again? Or go to concerts? What about football games? Could I travel to see my grandparents and cousins?

One thing you didn’t know about me, Diabetes, was that you’re not going to win that easily.

With help from my sidekick (my mom, even though she actually might be the superhero..), we learned how to keep my glucose levels stable- exercise, sleep, and goooood food.

Life with you and Down Syndrome doesn’t get easier, I just get stronger and smarter.

And somewhere along the way, you gave me something I never expected: a community.

Being a Dexcom Warrior has introduced me to so many people like me, ones who know what it’s like to live with diabetes every single day. Being able to meet Nick Jonas, a fellow Warrior and my all time favorite actor/musician, changed my life. It gave me the confidence to try something new and the courage to go up to people and talk to them about their own journey with you.

Through the Warrior community, I’ve met so many people who have become really important in my life, I’ve gotten to spend time with Nick and meet his brothers in both LA and New York, and I’ve met other Warriors who I now consider close friends. I don’t have to explain to them what highs and lows feel like, or why some days feel a little harder than others. They understand you and they understand me.

One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to call myself a Dexcom Warrior and use my experience to talk to other people living with diabetes. I’ve even gotten to be a football AND basketball coach, I get to travel and see cool places. I also get to help other people who are figuring out how to live with you, including monthly dinner meetings with a group of fellow diabetics.

You’ve taught me so much, but one of the most important lessons I’ve gained is how independent I can be. I can make decisions about my diabetes and handle a lot of things on my own. My mom is still my sidekick, though. She helps keep track of my doctor’s appointments, prescriptions, supplies, and all the other things that come with you. And she’s still there to remind me to eat when my glucose levels are low or drink water when my glucose levels are trending high.

You’ve also taught me how to handle the hard moments. When my glucose is high and my stomach starts to hurt so bad I can barely stand up, I’ve learned to stop, breathe, drink some water, and remind myself that it will pass. I can do this.

And having my Dexcom CGM has made a lot of that easier. I can look at my phone and know my glucose level and which direction it’s trending. My mom can see it too, which means she doesn’t always have to ask me what’s your “count.” It gives me a lot more independence and lets me focus on what I’m actually doing instead of constantly wondering what my glucose levels are doing.

I’m not a scared eight year old any more.

I know there will still be hard days, but I also know I will handle them. I have my mom, my friends, my Warrior community, and Dexcom helping me along the way.

So, Diabetes, I guess we’re in this together. But DON'T forget…. I’m still in charge.

Trevor