Apryl Harris

I turned nine in October of 1974 and was diagnosed with T1D on December 31, 1974.

A few weeks prior my dad took my sister, brother, and me Christmas shopping. Afterward, we all got hot chocolate. I thought it was because of the hot chocolate that I got Diabetes.

Upon beginning this process and considering writing about my own journey, I thought 15,000 characters would not be enough. After sitting in front of my computer for ninety minutes, I’m still at a loss of what to write. I have generally navigated this journey best by not acknowledging it or allowing it any authority over me.
Insulin had been invented only fifty-three years prior to my diagnosis.

During my initial week-long hospital imprisonment, to be educated in Type 1 Diabetes 101, I still recall every, single, solitary minute of that long, treacherous week. I was given an orange, vial of water, and a syringe. I practiced giving shots to an orange. I left that hospital never having the opportunity to inject myself with insulin.

At home, my mom would fill my syringe with insulin then I would take it to the bathroom and shoot it into the air. I still despise the smell of insulin. Not long after this began, I went into a coma with a BG over 1100. After that, I could no longer be trusted.

I remember my mom measuring every single thing I ate. This was old school because counting carbs was not practiced nor was there an ability to check blood glucose at home. I peed on a test strip to see how much sugar was in my blood. Insulin correction was also not utilized. How did I ever survive?

A meal would consist of something like 2breads, 1 meat, 2 vegetables, 1 fruit. Snacks, three times a day would be something like 1 bread or 1 fruit. Graham crackers with cheese was my favorite snack! At this time, my pediatrician and dietician directed my course of treatment.

Here is the kicker! My doctor said I could have four “hog days” per year. These consisted of me being allowed to eat whatever I wanted. My lists usually consisted of red licorice, cocoa puffs, maple iced donuts, raspberry jam sandwiches, potato chips, and various types of candy. I would always look forward to MY hog day! By early afternoon I could barely function and never finished the foods I had requested. Slowly, I began not wanting them. Hmmm….

When I was 13, I saw my first Endocrinologist, Dr. John E. Liljenquist. He changed my entire routine and processes. Initially I didn’t like him but soon realized that because of his knowledge, I could live FOREVER! He is worth reading about as he has been a trailblazer in T1D treatments and solutions. Rocky Mountain Diabetes Center in Idaho Falls, ID.

Shortly after our introduction to Dr. Lil, my mom made me give myself my first injection. It took several hours and many tantrums (on my part) but I finally did it! That. That was the best gift my mom EVER gave me. She gave me independence and confidence!

I wish I had been taught during my initial hospitalization. This was the largest and most devastating “miss” during my hospital introduction to T1D.

If kids can hold a pencil or crayon, they can learn to inject themselves! Give them the power to navigate their entire life as soon as possible.

Help, coach, smile, and cheer them on throughout their entire life because it will NEVER be simple or easy. It can be managed despite difficulties as long as there is strong determination and a bit of obstinance and fearlessness!

During my lifetime I have also felt abandoned, forsaken, isolated, and lonely.

My dear friend, Caterina wrote the following words to me and sums up perfectly how being a T1D feels.
“Type 1 diabetes is largely solitary in that none of us understand the full scope of it. We can’t feel it. We can’t treat it. We can’t cure it. We can’t die from it. But we can support you through it.”

Never think, feel, or say, “Someone has it worse.”

That does not negate all that you feel, live, and experience every single moment of every single day. Without respite.

Some days are much harder and more hopeless than others. It is okay to have a bad day and feel sad. Do your best and try your hardest to feel better the next day.