by Christian Killian

Created on: December 10, 2008

What is a typical day like for a Type 1 diabetic? I can only tell you that not until you live it will you ever fully understand it. Having been diagnosed in 2007, after landing in the local hospital, I never would have believe the changes in life. What doesn't change? I can answer that, nothing. Every minute of every day becomes an important moment.

Waking in the morning, you hope that your blood glucose levels didn't spike overnight. Stumbling through the house in the morning you still want that first cup of coffee or, for me, a Diet Coke. Right after that, you have to take the time to check that BG number. Why? Because you can not even eat breakfast until you know where your numbers are. Taking a minute to get your head clear, you sit down with your meter and hope for the best.

The meter seems to take longer that normal as you wait...... 120. Oh good I can eat something. Now comes the big decision. Do I go low carb or take more insulin? For me I typically try and go as low carb as I can for breakfast because I really don't like taking high doses of that magical, clear liquid. So you find something good and get your day going. Breakfast, shower and off to work, right?

As a freelance writer, photographer, and graphic designer, I work from my living room. I have done the "real job" thing, but it really is over rated. Working through the day, at some point, you may find yourself a little hungry and thinking about a snack. Just run and get something right? Nope. Type 1's need to do something first. Hunger is not the only determination when it comes to eating. Out comes the little black bag of goodies (this is what I call my kit that contains the meter, strips, syringes, wipes, etc.) and again the ritual of picking a finger to impale. Set it all up and spend 5 minutes to see if it is okay feed the hunger rumbling in your belly.

Now if the numbers are good, and the food is low carb (as it should be) then I can grab a snack. At this point it is probably 10am or so. I have stuck my finger at least 3 times, and maybe already had at least 2 injections and it isn't even lunch. Sigh. The rest of the morning involves working on whatever project is in progress or pressing all the while sucking down Diet Coke for the caffeine.

Lunch time will arrive near 1pm. Again I sit and wonder what I want and what is the smart choice to eat. Out comes that little black bag yet again. Another poke, another reading, another injection and finally I get to eat something for lunch. This is where

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