From Science to Art: An Essay by a Diabetes Nurse Educator
"I finally understood why I had become a diabetes educator 10 years prior. My 9-year-old daughter began showing symptoms of diabetes. 'It can’t be,' I’d rationalize. 'It’s the summer; that’s why she’s drinking all the time,' 'She’s growing taller; that’s why she looks skinny,' or 'I’m just being overly anxious because I’m a diabetes educator.' But my worries and fear were confirmed with an A1c of 13.5%..."
Eleven years ago, as a relatively new nurse, I transitioned from working as an inpatient nurse to an outpatient diabetes nurse. With the encouragement and guidance of my colleagues, I became a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE). I worked with pediatric patients and shared in their struggles and accomplishments. Watching my patients grow and incorporate technology into their diabetes management was incredibly rewarding. After 9 years, I began working in an adult diabetes clinic, which expanded my knowledge of diabetes medications and management.
A little over a year later, my 9-year-old daughter showed symptoms of diabetes, and my fears were confirmed with an A1c of 13.5%. The fear I saw in the eyes of the parents I worked with was now in my eyes. My daughter adjusted remarkably, maturing overnight and quickly adopting the technology available, like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps. She didn’t know diabetes without CGMs and pumps, unlike my patients from earlier years.
Initially expecting perfection in blood sugar levels, I soon realized that while science provides the foundation for diabetes management, there is an art to living with it. Surrendering to the reality that we can only do our best brought me peace and control. My experience as both a diabetes educator and a parent has deepened my empathy and understanding, making me a better educator.
“Diabetes often comes as a surprise”
Hi，I am Lily, "Diabetes often comes as a surprise. As a parent, all your hopes and dreams are for healthy and loving children. When you realize there is something not right because your three-year-old is constantly thirsty, reverting to bedwetting, and has welts all over her leg from mosquito bites, it becomes all too obvious something is wrong..."
Our family’s journey with type 1 diabetes began when my three-year-old daughter had a blood glucose reading of 814 mg/dl. We were rushed to the hospital, and while the initial shock was overwhelming, we quickly adapted. My husband, initially hesitant, soon became an expert in giving insulin injections. Our daughter, strong and resilient, never fussed about the frequent finger sticks or injections.
Support from our diabetes educator was invaluable, even extending to educating the daycare staff. Grocery shopping post-diagnosis was daunting, but planning and organizing made it manageable. Friends and family were eager to help, providing much-needed relief and support during those challenging times.
Balancing life with three children was not always smooth, but we prioritized family time. Our daughter is now 31, living her life to the fullest, and has even played college-level lacrosse.
Joe:Now 29, I have had diabetes for over 25 years
"I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of three. My parents told me that following a seizure induced by hyperglycemia, they rushed me to the Emergency Room. With a blood glucose reading of 1000, I was administered intravenous insulin immediately..."
Now 29, I have had diabetes for over 25 years. With a family history of diabetes, managing my condition has been a lifelong journey. I use a Dexcom G6 CGM and administer both short-acting and long-acting insulins. Advances in diabetes technology have provided greater control and improved quality of life, though it still requires diligent management.
Diabetes has shaped who I am, presenting challenges that I have overcome with resilience. While I do not have complications, I remain vigilant about my health, aiming to maintain optimal control to avoid potential complications.
Carolyn:I was first told that I had diabetes in the weeks following a kidney transplant
"I was first told that I had diabetes in the weeks following a kidney transplant. They noticed that my glucose levels were elevated in the hospital, and I was formally diagnosed at a clinic visit a week or so later..."
At 69, having had diabetes for about five years, I took the diagnosis in stride, focusing on both my kidney health and diabetes management. Adjusting my diet and incorporating regular exercise have become essential parts of my routine. The key advice I offer is to control emotions, follow medical advice, and prioritize healthy habits.
Maggie: Diabetes can be managed successfully.
Diagnosed at 13, I have lived wit
"I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes five days before my 13th birthday. I was at summer camp for 4 weeks, constantly thirsty, and had lost a lot of weight..."
h diabetes for 13 years. Using a t:slim insulin pump and a Dexcom CGM, I manage my condition effectively. Despite the constant awareness and management required, diabetes does not stop me from living a full life. As a pediatric diabetes nurse, I relate to my patients, offering them hope and understanding. My advice for newly diagnosed individuals and their parents is that it gets easier, and with time, diabetes can be managed successfully.
Kellie : I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around age 50
**How old are you and how long have you had diabetes?**
I am 57 years old and have had diabetes for about 5 years.
**What can you tell us about your original diagnosis of diabetes?**
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes around age 50. I had gestational diabetes in my 20s and knew that I was at higher risk to develop type 2 diabetes eventually. Around the time of my diagnosis, I “felt funny,” with blurry vision and some confusion. My mother (who has type 1 diabetes) tested me with her glucose meter, and the reading was over 300 mg/dl. My primary provider then checked labs, which confirmed the diagnosis.
**Does anyone else in your family have diabetes and what was their experience?**
Both of my maternal grandparents have type 2 diabetes. My mother had type 1 diabetes from an early age. I also have several maternal aunts with diabetes. Some family members died young from complications related to diabetes. On the other hand, my mother has very good control and minimal complications.
**How did that news affect you?**
Initially, I was in denial. I felt helpless and hopeless. However, my mother provided a lot of support, and as I got used to the lifestyle changes, I felt more “in control” and was able to accept it. It took a long time to adjust, but now I am much more comfortable with my diagnosis.
**What changes have you made to your diet and exercise because of diabetes?**
I have always been someone that walks and keeps busy (I volunteer at an animal shelter). Diet was the largest change. I’ve learned to plan meals better, knowing when and what I’ll eat (in terms of carbs), which I never had to do before.
**How has diabetes impacted your everyday life?**
I need to check glucose when I feel “funny,” which can be intrusive. Now that I’m taking diabetes medications, I have to consider what I eat more closely. I have to adjust insulin when feeling sick. Sometimes when I’m not really hungry, I have to eat to avoid hypoglycemia.
**What worries you the most about diabetes?**
Heart disease risk is my biggest concern. A close second is the risk of hypoglycemia, especially if it were to happen when I’m alone.
**What do you wish people knew about diabetes?**
It’s a lifestyle change – it impacts every part of your life (medications, meals, etc). If you can realize this earlier on, you’ll get it under control much more quickly.
**What advice would you give for someone with a new diagnosis of diabetes?**
Learn as much as you can. Don’t give up: you CAN get in control, but you don’t always see it at first.