3 Things I Wish I Knew When I Was Diagnosed with Diabetes

(And What I Hope Helps You Now)

1. Diabetes is traumatic. And nobody talks about that.

When I was 7, my blood sugar skyrocketed so high I don’t remember three whole days. I lost 40 pounds. My body was literally breaking itself down to survive.

People said “move on” or “it could be worse.” But trauma isn’t logic. It’s imprint. And every swing in my blood sugar is like an echo of that helplessness.

I didn’t learn to process it until recently. And even now, it’s a work in progress. But now I respond with calm, grace, and love for myself — not shame.

💡 Pro Tips from the Trenches:

• If you or your child lives with diabetes, check in on mental health regularly. We deal with constant stress, and that can spiral into harsh self-talk.
• Breathe. Remind yourself: you’re human, you’re a survivor — and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed, even when your numbers aren’t “perfect.”

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2. Diabetes can cause seizures. And they don’t warn you.

The first time it happened, I was 8. I woke up surrounded by EMTs. My parents were terrified.

Apparently, I had been convulsing, screaming — eyes wide open but completely unconscious.
Nobody told us this could happen from a miscalculated dose. Nobody told us this might keep happening each year. But it did.

💡 Pro Tips from the Trenches:

• I started tracking when my seizures occurred — turns out, winter’s my danger zone.
• I now adjust my long-lasting insulin (Basal) each year during colder months.
• If your child has diabetes, ask your doctor how to spot early signs of lows before they become emergencies.

🗨️ Reflect + Share:

Have you experienced a low-BG seizure or scary drop? What did it feel like? What warning signs does your body give you?

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3. I’m not “normal”—and that’s not a bad thing.

I look fine. I act fine. But diabetes is always there in the background.

I used to ignore it. Try to blend in. But now I own it. Because pretending doesn’t help. And I’ve learned that success, for me, means setting up systems that keep me physically and emotionally safe.

💡 Pro Tips from the Trenches:

• You’re allowed to have different needs — and to honor them.
• Saying no to overindulging isn’t weakness — it’s strength. You’re protecting the body that’s been carrying you through hell and back.

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🔄 Bonus Pro Tips from the Trenches:

• If you feel like something’s missing or you’re not getting the help you need, keep searching for a doctor who actually listens and offers real support.
  My favorite doctor was when I was a kid — and to this day, I still use the tricks he taught me to balance my insulin better than some current docs ever have.
• Feeling sick, weak, confused, or dazed? Check your blood sugar first. Always.
  If it’s your kid, that one check could stop a crisis before it starts.

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❤️ We’d Love to Hear from You:

What’s one thing you wish you knew when you (or your child) were first diagnosed?
Your story might help someone feel less alone today.

— we’re in this together. Got thoughts, tips, or your own story to share?

Leave a comment below — let’s connect.