An Introduction

My first blog post! Here is a bit of an introduction to me:

My name is Adriana and I'm 28 years old. I've had type 1 diabetes for 21 and a half years, since the age of 7.  I've been on an insulin pump since 1992. A lot has changed in the 18 year's I've been pumping. From 1992 until 2005 I used various MiniMed pumps but I switched to Animas in 2005. In November 2009 I got my pink(!) Animas Ping.  I am also a Dexcom CGM user since 2005. I've used it off and on but have been using it non-stop since October 2009.

I've been pretty blessed with my support system. My mom has been my rock my entire life supporting me through everything. She has been active in diabetes research since day one.  Her first call when I was diagnosed after the family was to the local chapter of JDRF.  Even when I wanted nothing to do with diabetes and did just enough to keep me out of DKA she fought for me. If you can't tell I think she's pretty incredible.

Another person who is a major source of support is my loving boyfriend, Steve. He is one of the main reasons why I'm trying so hard to take care of myself. He makes my diabetes care a priority when I want to put it on the back burner and just want to me a "normal" 28 year old. From testing me in the middle of the night when my CGM alarms, getting me juice when I'm low, rushing home when I've forgotten some diabetes supplies, to going to countless doctors appointments he is there for me. 

I can't talk about my support system and not mention my dad and brother. While my mom took the most active role in my diabetes care my dad and my brother have always been supportive of me.  When my mom was so active with JDRF and constantly traveling around the world my dad and brother were understanding of her always being gone and never complaining. Growing up my diabetes often took priority over other things and my brother not once complained about having to take a back seat to my diabetes.  I'm so lucky to have their support.

I've been reading a lot of diabetes blogs over the past few months that have really helped me feel less alone. My wish is that by writing about my experience with diabetes will help somebody out there like the blogs I've read have helped me.