Is it Stress or Diabetes?: Juliette's Journey with Type 1 Diabetes, Part II

This two-part article was written exclusively for IAD.com by Juliette Beaulieu. In this article Juliette discusses her struggle with type 1 diabetes, how much she struggled with the diagnosis and what she has found helpful in her path to managing her condition.

Click here to read Part I.

I had to wait for my mom to come pick me up because they wouldn't let me leave on my own. Hours went by and many, many tests later finally a nurse came over and pricked my finger. I still remember her terrified reaction as she walked off and told me someone would be right with me. A few minutes later a doctor came to tell that I was going to be admitted to the hospital because I was extremely sick and need immediate attention.

Feeling Scared, Alone and Disappointed

The doctor asked if I was ever tested for type 1 diabetes and of course I said that I had not. However, I mentioned that I was supposed to be tested when I was 11 and 13 years old but never was. The next thing he said changed my life forever and scared me more then anything in the world: “Your blood sugar is 37.4 mmol/L, which means you have diabetes.” He handed me a phone and asked me to call a family member because I was going to be moved to the ICU.

I called my mom, but all I told her was that they would be admitting me and that I would call again later. I didn't want to tell her what was going on. I was scared, alone, uncomfortable, and disappointed in myself. I eventually did let my mom come and I told her everything. I spent the next five days in the hospital. Most of my time there was spent crying because I was so scared.

Getting Back in the Swing of Things

When I got out of the hospital I spent a long time believing that no one could ever love and accept me ever again. The first thing my mom did was comfort me. She told me that she loved me and that everything would be okay. She was right. My A1C at the hospital was 11.7 and it is now down to 6, four months later. I feel great, I look great and everything is wonderful. The doctors were really surprised that I was functioning for so long with my sugar levels so high. I was lucky I went in when I did.

However, I do wish that I hadn't waited as long as I did to go to the hospital. The signs were there and I should have gotten tested earlier, but that's the past! I'm doing well now and all I've done is eat regularly, healthfully and try to stay active. I do what my doctor and educators have recommended and most importantly I take my insulin. I now have a new job, I graduated on time and passed all my classes. Lastly, I've found a guy that accepts me for me. He loves and supports me through everything and I couldn't be happier.

Motivation and Keeping Diabetes Under Control

I just want to say to all those who are unsure or scared, if the warning signs are there get tested as soon as possible. Don't ignore it like I did. It doesn't have to get as bad as it did for me for you to get checked. For years I had felt the fatigue and other symptoms and I know that this could have been caught a long time ago.

Something everyone should know is that this condition doesn't define you. Take control of diabetes and live your life the way you've always wanted. I cut my A1C in half in four months because I was motivated to, you can do it too! Don't let diabetes get you down, there is a huge diabetes community out there and they are all willing to help and support you if you need it.