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Four weeks ago I went to the Doctor. Six Months, yes SIX months of complaining about my weight loss, thirst, excessive urination had led my mother to setting up the appointment for my uninsured self.

I walked into the office at the nurse immediately told me I was diabetic. I said "Nah, it's my Thyroid. Check that out."

I absolutely refused to believe that after 26 years of being a healthy, athletic and average guy that I could have miraculously developed type-1 diabetes. That my Pancreas just one day decided "Hey, screw this guy, creating insulin is too much work."

Fear. In one word that's all I had within me the next morning. I was convinced my life was over.

The biggest myth I've learned is that Diabetes is a death warrant. In fact, I think it's almost a blessing. I watch what I eat now and feel more energetic, not to mention the fact I gained back 20 pounds that I had lost. I still wnat ten to fifteen more.

I thought I could never drink again with my friends: Well I may not be able to enjoy a black & tan, but one begins to appreciate Vodka & Diet or Mich Ultra. And Sugar Free Red Bull and Stoli? It's sort of like heaven in a Collins glass.

There are struggles I deal with, I admit. Having to pack an insulated lunch pack with insulin when I know I will be gone for a while is a pain. Unexpectedly feeling shaky (low) or getting wicked headaches (high) sometimes gets me so frustrated I prick my finger for glucose testing multiple times just in spite.

The doctor, when he diagnosed me, said: "You control it, don't let it control you." At the time I laughed and said "Easy for you to say you normal person." But now I GET it.

Living with Type-1 is not easy but by far and away is not as scary as I first thought. It takes time to adjust but I am confident that I will overcome anything it may throw at me.

And when I doubt myself I do one thing: I listen to Poison. Yes, the 80's band. Bret Michaels, the lead singer, is Type-1. If he can have that kick-a$$ life he had...Well I can wake up for work, that's for sure.

Learn more about this author, Christopher Thomas -The Original-.
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