My Life As a T1D

Chapter 5: Attending a T1D Conference

As Elise and I became closer, so did our families. With them learned about the pump and the Dexcom, which Grady has as well as tips for a healthy lifestyle with diabetes. With their help, I learned about the importance of rotating the insulin dosage in different body parts and to put insulin at least thirty minutes before one eats. I'm not going to explain why that's so, because I don't want to bore you with an explanation. These tips made a huge difference in my health.

Before the school year ended, we found out from the York family, about the Friends for Life - Diabetes Conference in Orlando, 2016. My parents hadn't planned our summer vacation yet, so as we researched about it, we discovered its many benefits. Within a few days, my parents gave me the great news that we were heading to the conference! This was so exciting for me! I was thrilled because Elise and I would be able to spend more time together.

The conference schedule was very strict and barely gave us time to relax. There were small breaks here in there but the conferences started from 8:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m for a whole week. It was tiring, but all the workshops and different activities that they offered for all members of the family were absolutely great!

At the time of this trip, I was 12 years old and I was considered a tween. I wore a bright green bracelet as a diabetic and friends and families of diabetics wore an orange bracelet. It was a way for organizers, supervisors, nutritionists, lecturers, and facilitators to identify who needed a careful look out in case of a blood sugar emergency and who was perfectly fine.

I attended workshops on counting carbs, new electronic devices, experts sharing stories, the role of sports in a T1, dances and more. Many people around us were also T1 and even wore t-shirts that indicated so. We also had a sort of "P.E" class everyday where we had a variety of games and exercises. At night, we also had dances, movies, refreshments, and more. We also decorated our name tags with stickers which I really love. I also learned and discovered glucose tablets! They are sugar tablets designed to raise your blood sugar, only to be used when you are low (-80). These don't exist in Ecuador, so my parents bought many jars with different flavors. These are easy and light to carry in your kit/purse. We had many meals at the conference, but one I remember the most, is an enormous banquet where they displayed tags with the carbs. Who does that? Only people who know about diabetes and can understand carb count! I love it!

Among the different activities I mentioned above, diabetics could also get medical tests done by well renowned endocrinologists. I had my eyes checked with the best technology available. As a diabetic you can have complication over the years if you don't take care of yourself. Such complications can range from blindness, kidney failure, losing a limb and a couple others, so it is really important to have check-ups from a physician.

The eye check went by really well and everything was fine with my eyes, a great relief for me and my parents. In one of the check ups, I had to keep my eyes open for a long time. I am not good at not blinking, which is why if you do the no blinking challenge with me, you will probably win. So the doctor said, "Hey can you help me here, we have a blinker." Blinker? That is the perfect name for me!

Since Elise's family also went to conference, we spent every minute of the conference together. We were put in most of the same classes together. There were a few that we were separated because she is not diabetic. We tried to make new friends, but it didn't really work out. Going to the conference made Elise and I a lot closer, we still are close today.

Overall, the conference was very fun. I made a ton of memories, some good and some bad ones. My mom got sick and had to go to the hospital, nothing serious but she wanted to get checked. Luckily, the York family was close by and I stayed with them until my parents got back. We were all so thankful to them and that is another reason why the York Family is so important to me. We went to the pool of their hotel that had several great waterslides and then we played games.

During the conference, there was a fair with a variety to booths exposing technology, knick knacks, food, camps and more - all designed for a diabetic! I got my face painted and a hat with my name. I also played many games and won a glucose meter. I was so happy when I got it! But...the problem is that I can't use it in Ecuador because we don't have the test strips for this meter cannot be bought here. The best thing I got at the conference is a Dexcom G5! My parents made a huge investment and bought it! This device has changed my life completely and I am so thankful for getting it.

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A/N: I know I am a terrible person! I am sorry. Even though I know that means nothing. Thats all I'm gonna say right now. If you would keep on reading I would really appreciate.