CRISTIANA'S STORY: EMBRACING T1D AND FEELING CONFIDENT
CRISTIANA'S STORY: EMBRACING T1D AND FEELING CONFIDENT
by IBD Medical on July 05, 2024
At IBD Medical and Glucology, we have a focus on being a brand that values empowering the diabetes community. We believe it's important to provide a platform for people to connect and feel heard, as knowing there are people who are going through the same challenges can help the journey feel less lonely and daunting.
Meet Cristiana!
She was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 11. Having such a life-changing diagnosis was difficult to deal with as a teenager, as it made her feel different and led her to try to hide her diagnosis from everyone around her. However, once Cristiana came across the online diabetic community, she saw people who were going through similar experiences whilst living with T1D and got inspired by their bravery. The ability to share and relate to others’ experiences of living with Type 1 diabetes encouraged Cristiana to embrace her diagnosis and not be afraid to show the world who she was.
The first step Cristiana took in embracing her diabetes was having the freestyle libre on her arm. Although it was scary as it was noticeable to others, it eventually empowered her into not caring what others thought. Having support from friends and family helped Cristiana feel safe, as they knew the signs of low or high blood sugar levels and helped treat them accordingly. Having support from not only close family and friends but the whole diabetes community helped Cristiana embrace her T1D and feel confident in herself.
As hearing the inspiring stories of people living with the same diagnosis was an important part of her journey to confidence, Cristiana has been inspired to do the same for others whenever she gets the chance to.
Listen to her story as she talks about finding confidence in her journey!
Here are five ideas to help embrace Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) and feel confident:
Educate Yourself and Others: Understanding T1D thoroughly can empower you to manage it confidently. Educate friends, family, and colleagues about your condition. Knowledge reduces fear and misunderstandings, fostering a supportive environment.
Connect with the T1D Community: Join support groups or online communities where you can share experiences and gain insights from others living with T1D. Building relationships with people who understand your journey can boost your confidence and provide valuable support.
Set Personal Health Goals: Establish achievable health and fitness goals that motivate you to take control of your diabetes management. Celebrating small victories, like hitting target blood sugar levels or completing a workout, can enhance your self-esteem and confidence.
Embrace Technology: Utilize diabetes management tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps. These technologies can make managing T1D easier and more efficient, allowing you to live more freely and confidently.
Focus on Overall Well-being: Prioritize your mental and emotional health through practices like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy. Engage in activities that you love and that make you feel good about yourself. Building a positive self-image and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can significantly improve your confidence in managing T1D.
By incorporating these ideas into your daily life, you can embrace T1D with confidence and live a fulfilling, empowered life.
The content of this Website or Blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website or Blog.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (in the US) or 000 (in Australia) immediately, call your doctor, or go to the emergency room/urgent care.
