Codependency, as defined by my Google search this evening, is "excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, typically a partner who requires support due to an illness or addiction." However, when I think of interdependence, which is another type of dependency, I get a warm fuzzy feeling. Interdependency is two-sided. Two people depending on each other. Tonight my husband and I are celebrating 25 years of marriage. How does this relate to diabetes? Let me explain.

It has been both an honor and a challenge to share my thoughts as an individual living with diabetes. Little did I realize when I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes 16 years ago that my life experience would be altered in unexpected ways. The greatest surprise has been the opportunity to be part of the dynamic community of Diabetes Sisters. I began from a point of isolation (those who are newly diagnosed understand) and recognized pretty quickly that I needed alot more support in order to manage.

At our last Diabetes Sisters meeting on May 10th in Princeton, NJ, we played the "Common Tests and Procedures Game."  It always amazes me how complicated diabetes management can be and as we compared our knowledge about tests for A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, dental, eye, foot and kidney function I observed the mood in the room.  Some of our group members looked visibly upset and it opened up a  discussion of being overwhelmed by the tasks of managing our health.

This post by Robin Wright, DiabetesSisters blogger and PODS Leader, was originally posted on Diabetes - What to Know in March 2017.