Living My Life by Joel Tiedemann

Imagine being 15 years old and dreaming of being a pilot. lt's a few days before writing your Transport Canada application exam to qualify for your glider pilot's licence. You take your physical examination. Instead of a licence you receive a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes.

Hi. My name is Joel Tiedemann and I am a 19-year-old with diabetes. I will never become a pilot but I have pursued many of my other interests.

When diagnosed with diabetes, I was surprisingly unemotional. I realized there was nothing I could do about my newfound condition. I tried my best to take it in stride. My strength and composure most definitely came from my extremely supportive network of family and friends. My parents never stopped helping me and they learned about diabetes with me, every step of the way. Their constant love and devotion makes everyday living with diabetes a little easier. My friends have also been understanding and helpful from day one.

Diabetes sidetracked my biggest dream of becoming a pilot. As I look back on the past few years I realize that the condition hasn't stopped me from accomplishing many of my other goals. I played football and golf and competed in track. I graduated from high school with honours and entered a Grant MacEwan College science program. I continue to have fun with my friends on ski trips and play music. In all, I am living the life of a typical 19-year-old.

In many cases, it would appear that my daily activities are being carried out in the same manner as any other teenager. Actually this is not at all true. I must test my blood sugar every morning when I wake up, when I eat, and when I go to bed. This is the minimum amount of testing I must do during the course of a day. I must also test when I exercise - before, during, and after activity. Also, I test before driving. For my first few years with diabetes I had to take insulin shots by needle twice a day. Later on, that number increased to four shots.

I have been very fortunate - two years ago I started using an insulin pump, which functions like an external pancreas. This device continuously provides me with insulin. I adjust the amount of insulin depending my food intake and activity levels.

Technological advancements such as insulin pumps have helped me gain several freedoms. It's now much easier to keep my sugar levels in check while exercising. I can vary my eating habits from day to day. Since the pump constantly supplies me with insulin, I must be very attentive. Even a small error could lead to me having an insulin reaction.

Initially, diabetes created a major disturbance in my life. Now, with a few adjustments I can live a normal life. Technological advances are not cures. They are temporary solutions. I hope that one day, people with diabetes will receive the ultimate freedom -a practical cure for the masses. Meanwhile, I believe that a positive mental attitude and a solid support system is the foundation for our quality of life. How about you - are you living your life?