A light through the shadows: my personal odyssey with T1D

Embarking on my journey with type 1 diabetes (T1D) over 31 years ago, I traversed through a landscape shadowed by secrecy and silence. This voyage has been one of profound transformation, marked by challenges, revelations, and the eventual embrace of technology and community that illuminated my path to empowerment.

This is not just a story of managing a chronic condition but a deeply personal narrative of finding my voice and place in a world that often misunderstands T1D.

The veil of secrecy

My early years with T1D were enveloped in a cloak of isolation. Armed with syringes and enveloped by the sterile scent of alcohol swabs, I sought refuge in the solitude of restrooms for my injections, a ritual as clandestine as it was isolating.

An insulin vial and syringe: these tools are used by many people living with diabetes. Source: Reza Babaeian (Creative Commons 3.0).

This secrecy wasn't merely a physical barrier but an emotional fortress that separated me from the world, imbuing my condition with a sense of shame that was as unwarranted as it was profound.

Moments of vulnerability and connection

This journey, however, is punctuated by moments of vulnerability that became turning points, etching deep imprints on my path towards acceptance and openness.

One such moment unfolded in the mundane setting of a workplace lunch, where my casual mention of T1D sparked curiosity and questions.

A colleague's innocent inquiry — "And you have to inject insulin every day?" — sent a ripple of discomfort through me, turning an ordinary lunch into a moment of acute vulnerability. I found myself sweating under the weight of attention, a tangible reminder of the shame I had internalised over the years.

Diabetes advocate Sebastián Haro attended ATTD 2024 as a #dedoc° voice — a long way from the secrecy and silence of his early years living with diabetes. Source: Sebastián Haro.

Yet, it was in another moment of vulnerability that I discovered a glimmer of acceptance and the power of shared experience. While staying at a partner's house, the intimate act of preparing for an insulin injection, traditionally a moment of solitude, became a shared journey.

His request to witness the process, to understand this integral part of my life, transformed my perception of vulnerability from a source of shame to a bridge of connection. "Can I see how you do it?" he asked, his curiosity dispelling the shadows of isolation, making me realise the beauty of shared understanding and support. This was 20 years ago... I can’t believe that I still remember it so clearly.

The ATTD 2024 conference: a beacon of hope

The Advanced Technologies & Treatments for Diabetes (ATTD) 2024 conference, in Florence, Italy, emerged as a beacon of hope on my journey, a pivotal experience that reshaped my relationship with T1D.

It was here, amidst a sea of fellow travellers on the T1D path, that I felt the weight of secrecy lift.

Sebastian and other #dedoc° voices attending ATTD 2024 connect with one another and share their experiences with diabetes over dinner. Source: Sebastián Haro.

Injecting insulin in public, once a source of anxiety, became a symbol of my newfound empowerment. "I think I've never given so many injections in public in my life," I remarked, a statement that echoed the profound shift within me — from hiding in the shadows to embracing my condition with pride and openness.

Technology as a catalyst for change

The transformative power of technology in managing T1D cannot be overstated.

Devices like the FreeStyle Libre, MiaoMiao or Bubble Mini, as well as tools like Nightscout and xDrip4iOS, have not just altered my approach to diabetes management: they've redefined my entire outlook on life with T1D.

Sebastián shows his diabetes technology setup, which he considers not just technology, but a form of empowerment. Source: Sebastián Haro.

This technology, offering real-time glucose monitoring, has empowered me to live beyond the constraints of my condition, fostering a proactive stance towards health and well-being.

A new dawn of advocacy and hope

Sharing my experiences and the lessons from ATTD 2024 on social media, I've noticed a resonant chord among other T1Ds still grappling with the same sense of shame that once overshadowed my life. It's become clear that while technology has been a significant enabler, the real journey towards empowerment is through fostering connections and building a supportive community.

Diabetes advocate Sebastián Haro shared his experience at ATTD 2024 as a #dedoc° voice on his LinkedIn profile. Source: Sebastián Haro.

I've seen first-hand how vital a role these connections play in dispelling the shadows of shame and isolation. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can offer a glimmer of hope to those still searching for their path to self-acceptance. Whether it's through social media, conferences, or simple conversations, the goal is to extend a hand to those who need it, encouraging them to find — or create — a supportive network.

To anyone feeling isolated by T1D, know that there is a community waiting for you with open arms. The journey may be fraught with challenges, but it's also filled with moments of profound beauty and connection. My experience at ATTD 2024 was a turning point, one that I hope can inspire others to seek out their tribe, their support system.

In the end, my journey with T1D is not just about managing a condition but about finding a way to live fully, surrounded by people who understand and uplift one another. It's a testament to the power of shared experiences and the hope that together, we can navigate the complexities of T1D, turning our individual struggles into a collective story of resilience and empowerment.

This article was also published on Sebastián's blog, Diabetes Uruguay, in Spanish. 
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