- J
- J
One year ago, on my 32nd birthday, I received some life-changing news. After a routine physical, I learned my A1C (3-month blood sugar range) was 11.7%. Not knowing what that meant, I quickly google searched and learned that the CDC states a normal A1C level is <5.7%. After several opinions from different endocrinologists, I was officially diagnosed a type 1 diabetic. With no genetic history of this chronic disease and an active healthy lifestyle, this news was staggering. As my family and I discussed what may have triggered this disease we landed on one answer, a recent Covid-19 infection. While doctors could not confirm this was a reality at the time of my diagnosis, it was the only new variable that invaded my life since my prior physical fifteen months before. Thanks to recent research it has been confirmed that NEW diabetes is very much a side effect of Covid-19 within adults and children!
After a year of learning and understanding how to manage type 1 diabetes, I’m ready to share with the world that this obstacle has not slowed me down. With the help of my beautiful nurse practitioner wife, doctors, and advancements in technology I’ve been able to reduce my A1C from 11.7 to 6.1 over the last twelve months! Not only have I actively taken control of this disease in my life, but it has driven me to BEAT type 1 each day. As a health advocate, please use this as a reminder to get your annual physical. This small step prevented me from a hospital visit with diabetic ketoacidosis.
As I approach my 33rd birthday I’m looking to raise money to support research and improvement of diabetics' lives through the American Diabetes Association. My birthday wish is if you can help me reach my fundraising goal of $5k through any contribution and in return I’ll complete the Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon on March 25th in under two hours! That’s $381.68 a mile! Please consider supporting this post with a share to help spread the word. Consider using my story as a reminder no matter how busy you are, take some time for self-care! As Robin Arzon, a fellow T1 diabetic, says during her Peloton classes, “Self-care is not selfish.” I’m so grateful to have all of you on this journey with me and thankful for your support in this mission.
Love,
your type 1
Peach