Ashanti

Ashanti, age 17, California, diagnosed at age 13

Describe the day you were diagnosed.

I only remember being very very thirsty, but otherwise, I felt fine. Later after I came home from the hospital my friends told me my breath smelled fruity. I was terribly scared that my life was going to be terrible now that I was being diagnosed with diabetes.What annoys you about diabetes?

What annoys you about diabetes?

Mostly having to deal with all the needles and pen tips and sharps…but of course, needing to take time away to check my blood sugar and inject insulin and all the other little thing I have to take care of.

How has diabetes changed you?

I had to fix my sleep schedule so I don’t miss my nighttime Lantus doses.

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

I remember crying all the time when I was first diagnosed because I was so terribly worried about complications and not living a good long life.

What has been your highest blood glucose reading?

mid 400s

What has been your lowest blood glucose reading?

50

What are your fears about your future with diabetes?

I’m worried about complications. I think I can manage relationships and work, but I just hope my health stays good enough to avoid anything bad happening to me later in life.

I’m a diabetic and…

I love to dance.

What advice would you give newly diagnosed diabetics?

Trust that things will feel normal soon, and everything will be okay.