Before I say anything… if you read only one blog post today read this one on Mashable: Diabetes Is Already Psychologically Demanding, So Cut the Stigma Too. I’m proud to have been a part of it. Hopefully you’ll come back and read this post too.

Everyone’s diabetes is different and they way that they manage it has to be different. The following should not be taken as medical advice, and you should talk to your healthcare team about making changes to your diabetes care.

I’ve had type 1 diabetes for 3 years now, and for the past 2 1/2 years I’ve been able to keep my A1C under 6.5%. It hasn’t been easy, but the hard work has been totally worth it.

For reference purposes, at diagnosis in the middle of August of 2011 my A1C was 11.9%, by the end of September of 2011 it was down to 8.3%. My A1C hit it’s lowest of 5.9% in February of 2012, but it wasn’t the best 5.9% it could be.  From August 2012 until now, I’ve been able to keep it steady between 6.1 and 6.3%. I keep saying “I” because the ins and outs of daily management are my responsibility, but a whole team of doctors and other healthcare professionals have been there for me and helped the process.

Here’s how I did it, and keep doing it (*spoiler alert* most of it has to do with attitude):

I got serious. And I did it right away.

The moment I was out of the woods after diagnosis, I started researching to understand the best that I could, what I needed to do. I followed all of my discharge instructions for taking insulin and how many carbs to eat per meal. Then I started looking at other options including insulin pumps and new doctors.

I ask for what I want and/or need. Continue reading →