LYD1A KERR

Living with Type 1 Diabetes can be tough. It’s constant, annoying, and life would be easier without it. As much as I wish there was a cure, there isn’t, and I have to deal with that and move on in order to live my best life. And I do!

I am very accepting of the fact I have T1D. I calculate my carbs in my head, bolus my insulin, eat my meals, bolus some more insulin because I want dessert, and keep an eye on my blood sugars.

I do this all of this while exploring new places, spending time with my boyfriend, trying new foods, socialising, working, exercising… the list goes on.

I live a very fulfilled life, despite having Type 1 Diabetes.

When my sugars are in range, I feel normal. But it’s not always easy. Low blood sugars can strike at the most inconvenient times and put me out of action. High blood sugars can make me feel groggy and miserable.

I am incredibly grateful for technology which keeps me alive. My continuous glucose monitor is attached to me 24/7, and tells me what my blood sugar levels are just by looking at my phone. My insulin pump delivers a constant drip of insulin, an expensive liquid, just to keep me alive. However, technology fails, and reminds me that I need these things to to keep me alive.

I love to share my life with T1D online. Instagram (@lydiabetic) is my favourite place to share stories with like minded people who know the feeling. Having a community who I can relate to on such a deep level is so important. It makes living with a chronic condition much less lonely.

Writing about Type 1 Diabetes is cathartic to me. Putting my thoughts and feelings into words is very therapeutic. Being able to write blogs and create graphics is a really fun way to tap into my creative side, and hopefully I can only improve these skills. Who knows, without Type 1 Diabetes, I might never have created a blog!

I’m currently on a career break to travel Australia, something I have always wanted to do, even pre-diabetes. I am proud of myself that I have managed to move my life over here, despite the additional layer of admin that comes with medical conditions – registering, doctors, prescriptions, insulin pump supplies, CGM’s, insulin…!

I genuinely love my life and where I am, and for that reason alone, I wouldn’t change anything for the world.

Thank you for reading my scattered thoughts on living with Type 1 Diabetes. I thought it was time to make this blog a lot more personal!

Love, Lydia x