Natalie Karabel was diagnosed withtype 1 diabeteswhen she was six.
Both forms of diabetes can cause high blood sugar that requires a treatment plan including dietary changes and medicine.
Now she wants to normalize talking about diabetic complications by sharing her experience with others.
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Here is her diary.
Mornings are the most challenging part of my day as I am not a morning person.
This is also the hardest part of my day for diabetes management.
Eating a bagel on Sundays has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember.
So every Sunday, I listen to an Emotional Freedom Technique Tapping (EFT) guided session using Zoom.
This technique uses cognitive and physical techniques to alleviate stress.
2 p.m.
Time for a workout!
Ive noticed that exercise really helps stabilize my blood sugar and makes me feel more energized.
I visit Trader Joes to pick up some food for the week.
I always check my blood sugar right before going to bed.
I can see the results on my phone and watch.
This is the perfect way to kick off the work week!
I write a gratitude list dedicated to grounding myself for a new week.
In this list, I always include something Im grateful for physically and mentally.
I used to feel angry about having anautoimmune diseasesince my body literally attacks itself.
But now I focus on feeling grateful toward all of the other things my body can do.
I had a lot of meetings today, so I grab a grilled chicken sandwich and an apple.
I pick up a chicken salad for dinner since I ate a late lunch and wasnt very hungry.
I do my nightly blood sugar check and inject my basal insulin.
I wake up feeling groggy.
My blood sugar levels are in a healthy range, and I do an insulin injection.
I was really busy with meetings, so I ate a quick tomato soup and Caesar salad.
My first class is an online breathing and meditation session and then I do a virtual salsa dancing class.
Then, I eat between the two classes.
And I did it!
I learned some new salsa steps, and my blood sugar has been smooth sailing.
I check my blood sugar and give myself my basal insulin.
On Wednesday mornings, I always wake up with great sugar levels since I am so active on Tuesdays.
I have some coffee and get ready for my day.
I meet a friend for lunch.
We split some tapas, and I calculate the amount of insulin I need.
But I do a good job and my blood sugars remain stable.
I pick up my insulin prescription which I receive in three-month increments.
I am so grateful I have insurance and fully recognize my privilege that I never had to ration insulin.
I know that there arepeople who arent able to get the insulin they need due to cost.
I recommend that people contactInsulinHelp.orgif they need financial help.
I do a quick cardio workout before dinner.
I may have a slight dip in blood sugar, but eating a good meal afterward helps stabilize that.
I wake up to a blaring noise from my CGM alerting me that my blood sugar is dangerously low.
I was tired and frustrated, so I ended up eating significantly more than 15 grams of carbs.
I take a couple of units of insulin to hopefully balance it out.
The results are inmy sugar level is a little high but within a reasonable range.
Every week, I visit a museum to satisfy my walking goal and curiosity.
Today, I picked the Frick Museum, which showcases old paintings.
I have a frozen meal from Trader Joes since I dont have the energy to make something more complicated.
I watch some TV and theres a joke thateating a particular food will give you punch in 2 diabetes.
I had such a fun night out!
I woke up with perfect morning blood sugar!
I have steak tartare and a cheese plate for lunch.
My blood sugar levels are smooth sailing.
I grab drinks with a new friend for happy hour.
My blood sugar keeps changing, so I monitor it closely and give myself a few units of insulin.
For dinner, I make some grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and a watermelon and feta salad.
11 p.m.
My blood sugars are looking good before bed.
Writing down my decisions this week has been such an interesting experience.
Its helped me realize I dont have to feel perfect at all times.
