Hi, I’m Allison and I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes when I was 34 years old. It was detected through routine bloodwork and I didn’t feel any symptoms, so the diagnosis came as a huge shock (as it does to many!). In hindsight, I was definitely symptomatic but all of the symptoms made sense at that point in my life so no red flags were raised. My journey (and blood sugar at times) has been a rollercoaster. The diagnosis has given me amazing gifts in my life as well as a couple experiences with diabetes burnout.
When I was diagnosed, I didn’t give much time and energy to taking care of myself emotionally and I underestimated the emotional toll that the diagnosis had on me. I felt like I lost my sense of belonging and it wasn’t until 2 years after diagnosis when I was at a T1D seminar that I felt a sense of belonging again. It was such a sense of relief that I wanted to hold on to that feeling and create an opportunity for others to feel it as well. That’s when I created this T1D Guelph meetup group. I have developed some great friendships with those in this group and I look forward to continuing to meet others living with T1D.
I have also become more involved in the T1D community and I’m so happy that I did! In 2017, I had the opportunity to be part of Connected in Motion’s hiking adventure team with others living with T1D from across North America. Over 6 days, we hiked 72 km along the North Coast Trail on Vancouver Island. It was hands down the hardest thing that I have ever done and one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.
If you haven’t been to a meeting yet, please come out and I look forward to meeting you.
ANNIE VANEXEM Co-Organizer
Hi all, I'm Annie! I've been diabetic since I was 8 years old, recently celebrating 25 years on insulin, and my 16th anniversary of pumping. I've had quite a journey as a T1D.
On the good side, I attended D-Camp as a kid, raised funds in high school through a "Diabetes Survivor Challenge", ran the 2009 Honolulu marathon with Team Diabetes Canada, and recently hit one of my lowest A1Cs to date.
On the flip side, I've experienced discrimination in former workplaces, had 2 seizures as a teenager, including one that left me in a 3-day coma, and have had several extended diabetes burnout experiences.
I've been a member of the T1D Guelph group since it started. I was nervous, after being diabetic for so long, to feel like I wasn't doing enough, but this group ended up being the greatest resource for me in my T1 care.
SARA MACHEN Marketing
Hey there, I'm Sara! Diabetes and I go way back to 1995, when I was diagnosed at 5 years old. I started pumping in 2001 and recently switched to the Omnipod (and DIY Loop system) with Dexcom. Needless to say I've seen almost everything T1D can throw your way.
There were so many support groups and opportunities to connect with Diabetics through my pediatric clinic. It was a shock entering adult care and realizing you were flying solo! That was the hardest time for me.
Thankfully I found Allison and the T1D Guelph group to bring peer support back into my life, and I can't imagine going back! I hope to see you at a meeting soon!