My Diabetic Story
I was diagnosed at 16 years old with MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes in Youth) and was soon deemed an insulin dependant diabetic. Even though I knew my older brother and Mum were both diabetics, it was still so shocking getting such a life changing diagnosis, particularly being so young. It was scary. Psychologically I felt like I was kinda doomed.
I still remember going through my first low and how scared I was. The constant balancing act of food, exercise, injecting insulin and other factors at play with my health was a daunting concept at first. I remember that talking to other diabetics in particular, who could relate with how I was feeling, was helpful when coming to terms with this massive lifestyle change.
Luckily for me, even as a child I've always had such a strong passion for food and cooking. My Dad, a very proud Danish man, passed onto me a massive love for my Danish culture and tradition...much to do with food! You could usually find me in the kitchen helping Dad from a young age, learning the value and pride of preparing your own proper food.
My passion for cooking helped me transition into adulthood relatively smoothly. I was able to grasp the concept of cooking decent meals for myself pretty easily. Even so, I wish I knew then, what I know now. Over the years there has been a lot of trial and error. I've had bad days. I've eaten the wrong foods, I've drunk too much and I've made unhealthy lifestyle choices. Sometimes I still do, I'm not perfect. But I've learnt.
Understanding and navigating my way through diabetes has now become second nature. For me, my diabetes has been a lifelong education, understanding how certain foods behave and interact with my diabetes and how my broader lifestyle choices can also effect my condition.
With my Grandfather passing away at a young age from complications stemming from diabetes and my older brother enduring eye complications from the condition, I definitely and more than ever view my diabetes as a reinforcing motivator to led a healthy and long life!
I still remember going through my first low and how scared I was. The constant balancing act of food, exercise, injecting insulin and other factors at play with my health was a daunting concept at first. I remember that talking to other diabetics in particular, who could relate with how I was feeling, was helpful when coming to terms with this massive lifestyle change.
Luckily for me, even as a child I've always had such a strong passion for food and cooking. My Dad, a very proud Danish man, passed onto me a massive love for my Danish culture and tradition...much to do with food! You could usually find me in the kitchen helping Dad from a young age, learning the value and pride of preparing your own proper food.
My passion for cooking helped me transition into adulthood relatively smoothly. I was able to grasp the concept of cooking decent meals for myself pretty easily. Even so, I wish I knew then, what I know now. Over the years there has been a lot of trial and error. I've had bad days. I've eaten the wrong foods, I've drunk too much and I've made unhealthy lifestyle choices. Sometimes I still do, I'm not perfect. But I've learnt.
Understanding and navigating my way through diabetes has now become second nature. For me, my diabetes has been a lifelong education, understanding how certain foods behave and interact with my diabetes and how my broader lifestyle choices can also effect my condition.
With my Grandfather passing away at a young age from complications stemming from diabetes and my older brother enduring eye complications from the condition, I definitely and more than ever view my diabetes as a reinforcing motivator to led a healthy and long life!