Let me introduce myself to you.  My name is Katie Ovenden, I am 25 years of age and was diagnosed with insulin dependent diabetes on the 3 August 1998 (yep, I remember the exact date - how could I forget).  I would like to share my experience with you. 

I had hypoglycemic episodes prior to getting diabetes, which apparently is very unusual, but most recently, around the first week of my new job, I began feeling extremely worn out, thirsty, tired and down right exhausted (from doing absolutely nothing!)  I had a lot of trouble with blurry vision, looking at the computer screen and blamed this on the lighting, I had no idea that something was actually wrong with me.  I was drinking copious amounts of fluid, anything from water to ice-cream in milk (it had to be oh so cold) and spending way too much time going to the loo (sorry guys!) 

After being bugged by my mum to check it out, I finally went to the doctors and after the 'first of many' blood tests, it was revealed... "yep you've got diabetes", welcome to the club.  I didn't quite understand what was happening because I had very little knowledge of diabetes (at the time), anyway, the doctor told me he had made an appointment for me to see a specialist on Monday (my visit with him was on Thursday).  Monday!  What was I supposed to do in the meantime?  This was very frustrating for me, as I had no energy by this stage and was finding it difficult to even put one foot in front of the other, let alone catch a ##@!##! train into the city to see a specialist.  Doctors certainly do need some educating!  I didn't know how to cope with how I was feeling, yet was expected to go home and just 'be' until I saw the specialist on Monday. 

Well mum drove me to the specialists and there I was told what I had, what it meant, and how often I would have to inject myself (that was the worst part) that's when I realized this was real, you tend to think that nothing will ever go wrong with your body.  Well they showed me what to do and I soon got the hang of the finger pricking and injections (not enjoying it obviously).   I have adapted to it all pretty quickly  I guess the reality is that I have diabetes, it's a fact and no amount of whinging or 'what ifs' etc. are going to change that, so I get on and live my life, doing the best I can.  I haven't quite figured out where the lines are, but hey I'm learning and basically I'm doing ok. 
 
So that's my experience of diabetes thus far, maybe some of you can relate to this.  I would love to hear from anyone who would like to share their experiences or just chat.  I'm contactable via Reality Check. 

Wishing the best to you all!  Have a great Christmas and ... enjoy! 

KATIE OVENDEN