We are There for You

The diabetes family is one that unlike any other in the world.  We complain together, we share our accomplishments with each other and we are always welcoming new family members with open arms.  When people reach out to the diabetes family for help the number of people that spring into action is phenomenal.  Social media has helped so many with diabetes, whenever I see a post or tweet asking for help I know that the person needing a helping hand is being well taken care of.  The greatness of the diabetes family was in full effect when the tweet below hit twitter..

What followed this tweet were almost two hundred messages supporting and willing to do all that they could to help this young man.  Currently the post has almost one hundred retweets and over one thousand likes.  Sure it is simple to hit a couple buttons to like or retweet something but that is the greatness of social media.  If no one cared enough to like or retweet this message no one would then go the extra mile to reach out and help this young man. 

Right around the same age I was in the same position as this young man and I took the wrong road.  I didn't ask for help, thinking I could live my life and put diabetes on the back burner.  It almost cost me my life, fifteen years later when I was almost thirty one person changed how I look at myself and my life with diabetes.  This person has been changing diabetes for people all over the world.  When I saw Phil Southerlands tweet to this young mans family I knew he was in great hands.  I then saw member after member of Team Novo Nordisk send their support to this young man and his family.

Sitting here, reflecting on these tweets and thinking about what will be in the future for this young man brings a big lump into my throat.  Diabetes will change your life and make you a better person because of it.  Diabetes teaches you that to be successful that you have to work your butt off, it's easy to say "I'll study for that test tomorrow" or "I can clean the house tomorrow" but diabetes teaches you that you can go that extra mile and do what you have too.  Diabetes doesn't let you wait or put something off until tomorrow.  That will help you so much when you're older and will help you now with whatever your love is.  I love running or being on the bike, it's easy to do that when it is 70 degrees and sunny outside.  When it is 20 degrees and I can only train from 530am to 630am I'd much rather be in bed sleeping then at the gym or out doing hill repeats.  The thing is, I do it.  You know why, diabetes has taught me that excuses are for losers because if you make excuses with diabetes you lose.  Phil Southerland says it best "Diabetes only chooses the champions"  

My message to this amazing young man with diabetes is "I have been where you are.  It is okay to say that it sucks and you hate it.  Get back up and keep fighting, we all have bad days.  I have had diabetes for almost thirty years, I still throw my meter when I don't like the blood sugar.  I swear when my blood sugar goes out of range on a run.  That lasts at most a minute, I know that diabetes is challenging me.  Always fight back, you are stronger then you know and nothing will ever stop you from achieving your goals!!  We are here for you and will take the time to answer any question that you have, you are not alone.  Together we can show diabetes whats possible and that we are champions!!"