Diabetes,

When you first showed up in my life, I thought I had you figured out. I was told I had Type 2, so I changed my diet, adjusted my medications, and rethought my routine. But something still wasn’t adding up. After a lot of questions and advocating for myself, I finally learned the truth: I have Type 1.5 diabetes, or LADA. Apparently, even my diabetes needed to be a little different.

Since then, you’ve taught me a lot about patience, listening to my body, and the importance of taking care of myself. Whether I’m performing, working, or chasing two five-year-olds around the house, managing you has become part of my everyday life.

One of the biggest surprises has been the incredible community I’ve found along the way. Diabetes comes with an entirely new language of glucose numbers, insulin, trend arrows, and time in range. But connecting with people who truly understand what you’re going through makes all the difference. They’ve helped me navigate the unknown and reminded me that none of us has to figure this out alone.

Maybe the most unexpected part of this journey has been how you’ve changed me as a husband and a dad. Violet and Alexander are still young, but they’re watching and learning every day. I hope seeing me take care of myself, ask for help, and talk openly about my health teaches them that vulnerability is strength, challenges don’t define us, and taking care of ourselves is one of the ways we show love to the people around us.

And somewhere along the way, you’ve given me another purpose. Sharing my story has allowed me to connect with people I might never have reached otherwise. If my experience encourages even one person to ask questions, advocate for themselves, or feel a little less alone, that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.

So, diabetes, I can’t say I’m glad we met. But you’ve taught me things I never expected, introduced me to some incredible people, and reminded me just how powerful sharing our stories can be.

And for that, I can say thank you.