Shiraz

Shiraz, age 17, California, diagnosed in 2014 (age 12), MiniMed 670G user

Describe the day you were diagnosed.

The day I was diagnosed (age 12) I spent the day biking around my neighborhood with my best friend drinking a slurpee and eating as much candy as I could get. I kept craving sweets but I was never full. Every little thing my friends and family did irritate me like crazy. Later that day my family and I planned to go see Frozen in theaters but my tongue was incredibly swollen making it impossible for me to eat dinner before we left, so my mom decided to take me to the hospital instead of the theaters. When I was told that I had diabetes I was in disbelief. I was completely overwhelmed and confused.

What annoys you about diabetes?

It’s annoying to constantly worry about my blood sugar and having to have a weird machine on my body, that people are judging.

What do you like about diabetes?

I like the community that I’ve met through diabetes. I have also learned to appreciate other things in my life more because of diabetes.

How has diabetes changed you?

Having diabetes has made me a more responsible and confident person because I see how many things I can do even though I have diabetes.

Describe a time where diabetes made you cry and/or laugh.

When I was diagnosed, I was in so much disbelief that I thought it was a joke so I started laughing but when they told me they were serious, I cried.

What has been your highest blood glucose reading?

600 (when I was diagnosed).

What has been your lowest blood glucose reading?

36

Describe a time when you used diabetes in your favor.

One time in school, I didn’t know the answer to a question on my math test so I told my teacher that my blood sugar was low and I couldn’t finish the test. He let me finish it the next day after I figured out how to solve it.

What are your fears about your future with diabetes?

I’m worried that when I leave for college, I won’t be able to keep my blood sugar in range. I don’t want to have to rely on my parents to be healthy but it’s nice to have someone to fall back on when you mess up. I’m also worried about driving because whenever I bike when I’m low it does not end up well.

I’m a diabetic and…

I’m a diabetic and I play tuba, I love hiking and eating banana bread and milk tea!

What advice would you give newly diagnosed diabetics?

It’s fine to be freaking out right now. It’ll get better.

Anything else you want to share?