As a woman with Type I diabetes for over 28 years, I have to admit that it has been a lonely journey...that is, until I discovered DiabetesSisters. Diagnosed at age 32 with gestational diabetes during my third pregnancy, I was thankful to have a healthy baby-- even though he weighed over 11 pounds and the birth was traumatic for both of us. Life returned to normal, or so I thought. Within six months, I was diagnosed with Type I and found myself with three young children and this new diagnosis.

I was totally overwhelmed;  there was too much to absorb:  diabetes education about care and daily management, insulin, shots, finger sticks, blood sugar swings, food exchanges, highs, and lows. How could I do all this and take care of my other responsibilities? I went through all the classic reactions - shock, denial, more shock and feeling my life was over. The worst of it was there was no one who truly understood what I was going through and wanted to listen.  It took me a while to learn what I needed to manage my diabetes and I'm still learning. But over the years, this is what worked for me:

• Finding a great endocrinologist and medical team is very important. Keep searching for the right team that is compatible with you and your needs.
• Educate yourself about diabetes. Expect to have rough days which will teach you a lot about yourself and your diabetes care. This is a lifelong journey and constant learning experience.
• Stay positive. Seek out positive support people in your life.
• Exercise does help - it doesn't have to be an extreme workout, even a walk keeps you moving and out of the kitchen.
• Don't expect perfection! Your best is good enough. Each day your personal best will be different.
• Be as good to yourself as you are to others. Be open about your diabetes and your treatment.
• Diabetes has made me a lot stronger than I ever imagined I could be.

DiabetesSisters has been a blessing for me. I saw the link for their website in Diabetes Forecast magazine earlier this year. From my first contact, I've experienced kind, supportive women who are working hard to provide a network for all women with diabetes. I was fortunate to attend DiabetesSisters Weekend for Women Conference held in Raleigh this past May. What I found there were experts who discussed important issues for diabetic women, but more importantly, the networking and sharing with other women with diabetes was invaluable. This networking inspired me to begin a PODS Meetup in my local community to continue learning from other women. So, my journey continues... but thankfully, I am no longer on my own!

Cele Flanary

West Lafayette, Indiana