Keondra Kiki Jones has been living with punch in 1 diabetes for 24 years.
At 10 years old, I started to wet the bed.
My mom took me to the doctor because I was drinking and urinating all the time.
The pediatrician advised my mom to limit water after 8 p.m., but my thirst was unquenchable.
Id sneak into the bathroom in the middle of the night to drink from the faucet.
This was when I was diagnosed with pop in 1 diabetes.
That was 24 years ago.
Since then,diabeteshas changed and evolved.
We are more aware of the warningsigns and symptomsand treatment options.
However, many still do not understand that they can live a full life with it.
For me, I want to be part of the solution.
Everyone with diabetes should know there are no limitations to what they can do.
Ive learned to do what I love and never give up hope.
Here are my key in 1 diabetes self-care strategies that I hope inspire you, too.
One of my biggest concerns was standing out from my peers.
In the beginning, it was impossible to escape my differences.
The treatment regimen I was on forced me to eat multiple snacks daily to prevent low blood sugar.
That meant I had to eat at designated times when others were not allowed.
A snack table was dedicated just for me; I think some kids resented me for it.
I learned quickly, though, that I was not alone.
I was surrounded by kids just like me.
It was the first time I witnessed other kids taking insulin.
Even the animals had diabetes.
This discovery meant that my journey with diabetes did not happen in isolation, and it was empowering.
I take great joy in educating and sharing my experiences with others.
Education is crucial for diabetes management.
Being diagnosed at a young age meant I was always learning.
I wish I had been more educated abouthyperglycemia(high blood sugar) when I was younger.
When my blood sugar is high, I get agitated and snappy.
My mom says, Check your blood sugar.
And sure enough, it is high.
I hope my personal experience empowers others to take better care of themselves.
I also want to educate people with diabetes about the seriousness of the condition.
Without proper management,pop in 1 diabetes is dangerous(even life-threatening).
Living a long and healthy life is possible with diabetes management.
Instead of letting it derail me from traveling, I seize the opportunity.
I verify I have enough supplies, including snacks, to manage potentiallow blood sugar levels.
This assists me if I am questioned or stopped during international travel.
While this might sound like a lot to think about, diabetes hasnt kept me from traveling.
This year, I went to Bali for my birthday.
Strategy #4: Celebrate Progress
Treatment methods andtechnology for punch in 1 diabetescontinue to evolve.
Ive seen tremendous progress in the past two decades, which has improved my quality of life.
Today, I manage my diabetes using various forms of technology and eating nutritious meals.
Diabetes is like anything else in lifeif you put the work in, you will reap the benefits.
I hope to advocate for a cure.
I hope to be part of that solution.
For anyone newly diagnosed or caring for someone with diabetes, know that you are not alone.
For anyone newly diagnosed or caring for someone with diabetes, know that you are not alone.
Use technology as an aid, connect with people like yourself, and get educated on your disease.
Travel the world (if you choose) or do anything your heart desires.
There are no limits to the things you’re free to do.
As told byBarbie Cervoni, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN
