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'A Testimonial of Living with Type 1 Diabetes' Exclusive Interview with Madison Stechschulte  Ever wonder what a day in the life of a person living with Type 1 Diabetes looks like? We did. We asked Madison Stechschulte, who used to care for our youngest son during the day while we worked, if she would share her story… and share she did. JACK: What type of Diabetes do you have, when were you first diagnosed and what is a ‘day-in-the-life’ of managing Diabetes look like for you? MADISON: I have Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder at the age of six. A typical day in the life of managing diabetes for me consists of at least 3/4 finger pricks a day to check my blood sugars and make sure they are stable and not too low or high. I check my blood sugar in the morning when I wake, before breakfast, lunch, dinner, before bed, or when i’m feeling ill. If my blood sugar is too high, or I am about to consume carbohydrates from eating, I have to take an insulin injection. I love to eat, so I often sneak away to a private spot away from others, to do all of this. Having diabetes doesn’t consist of a set dosage every day like most illnesses. Basic algebra is incorporated to help diabetics determine how much insulin is needed, based on the level of glucose monitored in our blood, and the amount of carbohydrates we plan to consume. It is different for every diabetic, nobody has the same exact regimen. Once it is time for bed, it’s crucial to remember to take our long acting insulin so our blood sugar levels don’t increase while we are dormant/inactive. This prevents us from going into a diabetic coma or becoming sick with ketones, and being admitted at the nearest hospital.  JACK: What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face with Diabetes? MADISON: The biggest challenge I have faced growing up with Type 1 Diabetes has been the constant anxiety from being “the odd one out”. I never liked how kids would react to my illness, or how teachers and coaches treated me “special”. I just wanted to fit in and be looked at the same way the other kids were. As a child with Diabetes, I quickly realized how nervous my friends’ parents were to have me stay over at their house. I was looked at with caution, like I would die if I chose to have some ice cream as a bed time snack. I was always provided with “healthy alternatives” or water to drink, instead of pop. I was always so insecure, to the point where I stopped carrying my medication around with me in middle school, when I was out to eat. Or I would discreetly sneak away to the nearest bathroom (not very sanitary). I didn’t like the judgmental looks, or whispering. In high school, it became worse. Kids thought it was funny to say I was “shooting up”, in terms of abusing hard substances. Or they would joke and say it was because I ate too much sugar as a kid. Then the comments about how tiny I was, that the only reason I was so small was because I “didn’t take care of my health”. I always brushed it off, but it always made me feel ashamed to be different. I didn’t ask for Diabetes.  JACK: How have you risen above this challenge? MADISON: As an adult, I can proudly say I have finally risen above this challenge. I wouldn’t say, I am 100% where I want to be in terms of accepting that I have this illness. But I strive to not let it affect me the way it has in the past. I have developed an “I don’t care what others think” mentality. I have a tattoo to show off that I am a Diabetic. I no longer keep it a secret; I openly discuss it with others. Having Diabetes hasn’t always been viewed to me as a negative aspect of my life. I believe it has helped shape me into the person I am today. It has encouraged me to branch out and care about others and their health, the way I have been cared for. I aspire to work in a pediatric endocrinology clinic, to set an example for the other confused and scared kids being diagnosed with Diabetes. I have had a handful of friends I grew up with get diagnosed. That has helped me feel more normal and accepted. We can discuss our struggles together and exchange helpful advice. It’s important to have a support system. That’s why I believe in spreading awareness. I adore how much confidence it brings to those who are still afraid of accepting their own diseases or illnesses. It encourages those that are “special” or “different” to open up and share their stories. JACK: For those of us who don’t live with Diabetes, what is one thing that you would like for us to know? MADISON: If you do not live with Diabetes or know much about in general, I want you to know that it is a LOT to process. The ways it can impact your life, your personality, your physical and mental health, and especially your long term health, is frightening to think about. One day you’re perfectly healthy, then a friend with a small stomach bug gets you sick, and you’re in the hospital for a week. Simple colds or bugs can affect us in a more severe way, than those without an autoimmune disorder. On top of that, Diabetes is commonly associated or “partnered with” another autoimmune disorder. So if you have Type 1 Diabetes, I’m sorry to break it to you, but you’re most likely going to be diagnosed with another disease. The best part is, you have no idea when this will happen or what you will be diagnosed with. Scary right? Having Type 1 Diabetes can cause mood swings, random bursts of anxiety or anger, depression, and more. So next time someone you know that was diagnosed with Diabetes is acting out of character (and is sober), politely ask if they feel alright or suggest maybe they should check their sugar to be safe. It’s all about keeping your blood sugar levels stable, in hopes that you can live a healthy and happy life. JACK: While Diabetes is part of who you are, it certainly doesn’t define you. Please fill in the blank with a word or phrase that best defines you. “Madison is ________.” MADISON: While Diabetes is a part of who I am, it certainly doesn’t define me. “Madison is Tenacious”.
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