Brandi Corley

I had literally just turned 17 when I was diagnosed. It took years for my perceptions to shift and the doctors didn’t help me learn. My mum taught me everything I needed to know to survive. Finding out about the online Twitter community and meeting people there has been such a boon! The understanding and support is amazing. The fact this award exists allows me to tell the world that I am still alive in spite of all the hardships being diabetic brings. I am a survivor and will not back down from the daily fight. I’ve been through far too much and had too many hospital visits to let diabetes rule my life! My diagnosis almost killed me and my parents had been told that if I survived the night, I would have a higher chance. Apparently they had said something similar when I was born, so I have always beaten the odds! I recall feeling absolutely horrible and my dad making jokes about how I was diabetic on my birthday and two days later I was rushed to the ER with sugars over 700 and a blood acidity of almost 98%. Now days I joke that my diagnosis was a belated birthday present to myself. I’m just thankful to be alive.