Aeriel Diaz

I have been living with type 1 diabetes for over 32 years now. I was diagnosed at 2 years old. I do not remember a life before diabetes. This disease is invisible. Most days I look like I am doing fine, but that could not be further from the truth. My diabetes affects everything I do. Every choice I make, I must always take my diabetes into consideration. Even the simplest of choices like taking a walk, eating a snack, or even driving down the street. This condition causes us to take on many job titles:

+ Mathematician
+ Data Analyst
+ Manager
+ Event Planner
+ Nutritionist
+ Coordinator
+ Communicator
+ Clinical Coordinator
+ and the list goes on…

We never get a break.
A day to just feel normal.
A day without diabetes thoughts.
A day without feeling sick.

Imagine if you worked a job 24/7 with no breaks.
No recognition for your work.
No promotions.
No accolades.
No benefit package.
Not even a day off to recharge.

On a personal note, I am surviving and thriving with diabetes! I had my 1st A1C level under 6% this year. I am at my lowest weight since college. I finished a master’s degree. I did not let diabetes stop me or hold me back. If anything, it makes me stronger.