Colleen Chappell

When I was diagnosed with type I diabetes in June 1975, I was positive I would never live to be this old or even be able to live with Diabetes for 50 Years. I was terrified of needles and thought my life was over. I would read about diabetes complications and believe that I would some day lose my sight, have a limb removed, end up on dialysis, or die prematurely. I also believed I would never ever be able to become a mother or even live long enough the raise any children. I checked my sugar levels by urinating on a yellow piece of tape that would change color depending on how much glucose was in my system. My first glucometer was large, but very amazing that I could know what my blood glucose was so quickly. When a pump was introduced to me, I resisted obtaining one because I did not want to have some external device attached to me! 33 years after being diagnosed I agreed to obtaining an Insulin Pump and IT CHANGED MY LIFE! Being able to use a CGM to obtain Blood Glucose results is AMAZNG TOO, saving my poor fingers. Living with Type I diabetes has been a difficult journey, but I have few complications and a beautiful family, a wonderful supportive husband, two beautiful children, five grandchildren, and a fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse. I am blessed beyond measure and I Thank God for modern medical Technology. Fifty Years and counting.