Age: 48 Year Diagnosed: 1986 Location: Valley Glen, Ca
“I really enjoy taking type one's out on a big mountain trek. There's always that conversation about blood sugar, devices, how long you've had type one, or our favorite snack for lows, because, out there, in the mountains... There Will Be Lows!!! Connecting with other people who share in the common excitement for outdoor adventure is truly rewarding. But to share that same excitement with type ones is really next level. And bringing the two worlds together (Type one's and Non Type one's) while out on a mountain trek is a real unique chance to connect, share, and educate. There's been a few times where a fellow non-t1 trekker didn't know what insulin does, or what glucose does or what a CGM is. To see diabetes functioning, thriving, in real-time, on a backcountry expedition can be an inspiring thing to see. Big outdoor expeditions can sometimes be a step into world of suffering. I know, it sounds a little extreme, but often times the endeavors in these realms are the rewards which we seek. We suffer. We suffer well. and, ultimately, are well rewarded. Same goes for folks living with type 1. We suffer, and we suffer well. As a community, we understand each others hard journey, and when we emerge from out of the suffer cloud, we can feel that reward, the result of strength and invincibility.
Go outside, Get dusty, Climb mountains, Suffer well. There's some inspiration to be found in this community! Come on out, join us!”