Janet's Story
Updated October 15, 2017
Janet's Story
Updated October 15, 2027
My name is Janet. I am now 17 years old. When I was diagnosed, I was 12 years old. So, for my story about my diagnosis, during the year of 2012, I was in 7th grade at the time. I was a little overweight so I decided to lose some weight. It was working out very nicely for me and I felt great too. Then soon I couldn't stop losing the weight which caused me to look a lot different to a lot of people.
Mostly every morning I would drink a glass of milk, a Powerade, and two glasses of water, but I was still thirsty. Soon people were wondering if I was anorexic and my mom decided to confront me about it. I told her I wasn't trying to lose the weight anymore, so I went to the doctors on January 30, 2012. My doctor told me I had to go to the hospital because I had juvenile diabetes. This was a very big shock to me and my family. My parents took me to the hospital where I got treated with insulin for the first time. It was the most comforting feeling after because then I didn't feel sick anymore and I started to feel better.
Some of the bad incidents I had with diabetes were when I was at work and I had given myself a dose of insulin to correct for food I ate. I then decided to sit down in a dressing room because I was tired. I soon woke up in the office of my manger with my mother and brother there trying to get me to eat something. I had no clue what was going on and it was one of the scariest moments for me so far.
One of the best things that has come with my diagnosis was when I learned about diabetes camp. I wasn't too sure about it at first but when I finally got the chance to go I loved it. I was truly grateful for all of the amazing people I met at camp who truly became my family in a weeks' time. They truly blessed my life and made me realize it's okay who I am and that I can live with this disease. They comforted me and didn't make me feel like an "outsider." I am so thankful for all of my friends I met, because I know these friendships will last a lifetime.