Barbara Thorne Courtney

My first memory is watching my mother in the kitchen making my breakfast. There was always a rattle coming from the stove. I know now that that rattle was the sound of her sterilizing her insulin syringe in a pot of boiling water. I was born three years after she was diagnosed. Because she did have diabetes, we were well aware of the signs and symptoms. By the end of 1973, I knew that I had those symptoms – extreme thirst and urination. I even checked my urine for sugar without my mother knowing. I was in denial and of course, very scared. My mom finally recognized the symptoms when I started losing weight. I had many years of uncontrolled diabetes. I did the best I could with the knowledge I had. It wasn’t until I had an episode of hypoglycemia unawareness, that I found out about insulin pumps. I had no idea where to begin. I had never even seen an endocrinologist. The next day, there was an article in the newspaper about an insulin pump support group! I immediately called the number listed in the article. She answered my questions and gave me phone numbers. Insulin pump therapy and education motivated me in many ways! All for the good. Sadly, my mother passed away, from diabetes complications, when she only had diabetes for 35 years. I wish she could see how technology, new insulins, so many advances in diabetes research that I have benefited from. I am blessed to have had her guidance, support and love in the beginning of diabetes. I am also very blessed for a loving family and friends as I continue on this road!