Age: 24 Year Diagnosed: 2016 Location: Tucson, AZ
“The best story I can think of was when I was student teaching with a third grade class. I am an open book with my diabetes and I often tell my students and coworkers that I have it. During one of the weeks while I took over the classroom, I was walking around the classroom as the principal walked in. Our principal always engages with the students as she observes the classroom and as she walked over to one of my students, my student looked at her and said, ‘Do you know that Ms. Laguna has diarrhea disease?!’ My principal, knowing I have type one diabetes, looked at me with a huge smile and started to laugh. I joined in as well. My principal said, ‘I think it's called diabetes.’ The student proceeded to say, ‘Ohhhhhh!’
Be patient. Diabetes is not something you will learn over the weekend. You will learn how your body reacts to certain foods, exercises, moods, etc. Be kind to yourself. It can be frustrating at times, but luckily you learn and grow. Remember you are not alone. The diabetes community is amazing!”