Community Blog: Living with Diabetes by Melissa Servedio

[melissaservedio]

Living with Diabetes - Melissa Servedio

I never imagined I would be living with a chronic disease, but that’s what happened. After going to the ER and spending almost a week in the hospital I was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 21. At first, my diagnosis was Type 2, but after a year or so and switching doctors, it was determined I had Type 1 diabetes and would be insulin-dependent. After initially trying to manage my diabetes with manual injections, giving myself shots multiple times a day, I made the decision to switch to an insulin pump. Technology has come a long way and I can’t imagine life without my insulin pump, or my continuing glucose monitor (CGM). I get real-time data sent to my pump from the CGM which makes managing my diabetes without it.

Living with diabetes made me make some big changes in my life. My nutrition was never something I was really on top of but being diagnosed with diabetes forced me into making changes, and that included trying new food. Gosh, I don’t think I had a salad before getting diagnosed! Slowly though, I started to make those changes. It took quite a few years, but I can say now I am truly living my healthiest and fittest life. I had to learn to really cook, meal prep and plan for my nutrition. I also had to get active again, on a regular basis. I have achieved both of those things in big ways.

Managing diabetes takes a lot of work though. I check my blood sugar (**ahem** my finger) multiple times again. Before meals, after meals, when my CGM needs to be calibrated. Sometimes I have to check it multiple times in the middle of the night, super annoying. I have to count carbs before meals to tell my insulin pump how much I’ll be eating, and make sure I take insulin at least 10-15 min before I eat, if not, my blood sugar will skyrocket. Then there’s also trying to manage my blood sugar when I exercise. Some exercises cause it to rise, while others cause it to drop. Then of course comes the changing of my insulin pump supplies. I have to change the infusion site, where the insulin enters my body, every 3 days. I change my CGM once a week. I have to refill my insulin pump as well every few days. Then there’s the blood work prior to doctor’s appointments and keeping up with those as well as the ordering of all my supplies.

Sound like a lot? It is. However, my diabetes is managed well. I have incredible support from my medical professionals, friends, and family, and I have no complications. It’s work, every day, but I like to say I’m kicking diabetes butt. I meal prep on the weekends, workout almost daily before work, and there’s nothing I can’t do, because of having diabetes. I’ve lost 55lbs in the past 2.5 years and gained so much else in the meantime. I love using my Fitbit to track my exercises daily, as well as track my runs, (running is something I’m working on getting better at as well). To anyone living with a chronic disease, don’t give up. Keep going, anything is possible. You can live your best life!

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Please note that content published here is written by Fitbit Community members and does not reflect any opinions or official positions of Fitbit. The Community Blog entries are published as submitted and are not edited for grammatical or other accuracy. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

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