Today we’re speaking with Amber Loyd who has lived with Diabetes almost her entire life. Even though Amber was diagnosed with Diabetes at such a young age, she never let it stop her from doing what she wanted to do in life. Let’s take a look at what it’s like for Amber to live with Diabetes.
First off, what type of diabetes do you have? We have readers with all types, so it’s important to talk about this first.
I have Type 1 Diabetes.
How were you made aware that you had diabetes? Please share your diagnosis story with our readers.
I was 4 years old and my parents noticed the excess amount of drinking I was doing, along with sleeping way too much and rapid weight loss. Dad took me to first visit at Dr and she said nothing was wrong. Mom took me back a week later and refused to leave until every test was run because she knew something was wrong just didn't know what. Ketone in urine sent me to ER and blood sugar was 998.
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We’re all curious, even if we live the life, everyone is different, what is a typical day like for you?
My typical day is as follows: wake up at 5am shower, wake kids up for school, breakfast, rushing to dress and get everyone where they need to be on time. Drop kids off at school, head to office for next 8 hours. Some days to busy for lunch. Clock out, pick kids up at sitter. Head home if no sports, clean up messes from morning, start laundry, help with homework, cook supper, clean back up, fold and put away clean clothes, help bathe kids, get kids to bed. Check email for work prep next day (always fall asleep doing this).
Describe the one scariest moment since your diagnosis.
The scariest moment I have had was when I was driving in an unknown area and blood sugar rapidly dropped. It was a country area so no store in sight and my kids had taken all my emergency snacks without my knowledge. Didn't think I would make it the 25 mins to the closest town.
Living with a chronic illness can be overwhelming, how do you cope with the constant battle of trying to maintain a proper balance with your blood sugars?
I struggle everyday but I just try to stay positive.
If you could give one tip to someone newly diagnosed what would it be?
Do not be scared, ask questions and make sure you understand all info you are giving.
What is the most challenging aspect to you, in living with diabetes?
The unknown. A person can eat and Mimic the same thing every day and still not have consistent blood sugar levels. Make me very frustrated that every emotion plays a part in the level.
What was your reaction when you found out you had diabetes?
I honestly was too young to remember.
What was hardest for you and your family — emotionally? Or financially?
Emotionally my moods bouncing all over the place. Financially struggling, pay more to stay alive each month than for the roof over our heads.
What insulins have you used or do you currently use?
Novolin R and Lantus and Novalog. Current Novalog.
What would you like people who have diabetes to know?
Stay positive and find support.
Who do you get support from? Who treats you?
Sad part here just myself. There are no support groups in my area and if something happened that someone needed to care for me, I would die. No one on my family understands not even the hubby. They get I need to eat if my sugar is low but that's it.
Let’s conclude on a positive note. I know it can be difficult to find the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you thought really hard, what is one positive thing that diabetes has brought to your life?
Education. I strive to learn more every day because I realized I am smart enough to retain. If I can understand the aspects of diabetes I can understand anything.
TheDiabetesCouncil Article | Reviewed by Dr. Sergii Vasyliuk MD on May 23, 2020